THE FIGHT against proposed cuts at Wythenshawe hospital’s premature
baby unit was given a boost with the launch of the "Save Our Baby Unit"
(SOBU) campaign.
Health workers, activists and local residents at the launch were
furious at the cuts, which managers call "Making It Better". As Lynn
Worthington explained in opening the meeting, they’re making it a sight
worse.
Management want only a "stabilisation cot" to remain at Wythenshawe,
with neonatal services "concentrated" in central Manchester, Oldham,
etc. But more maternity services will be sent to Wythenshawe if cuts are
made at other hospitals. Management want every seriously ill premature
baby to be airlifted miles across the city! Even babies aren’t safe from
this market-obsessed government.
SOBU agreed to tackle "local" MP Paul Goggins, who’s voted for every
"cut the NHS" proposal of his government, and the councillors who
oversee the same cuts being put into practice.
As Lynn said: "They claim to represent us. They’re not likely to do
that but we’ll make it a damn sight harder for them to ignore us!" SOBU
agreed to affiliate to Keep Our NHS Public, and to support all moves
towards a national anti-cuts demonstration, linking campaigns across the
country.
People at the meeting took petitions to build the campaign. We’re
producing more leaflets, window posters, petitions and "what you can do"
campaign tips.
For more details of future meetings, ring 07769 611320, 07914 089230
or email [email protected].
