Save our baby unit!

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 manc_sfe@hotmail.com.

Lobby the MP!

Saturday 8 July, 10-11am, Wythenshawe Forum (near Civic bus station)

Lobby the councillors!

Thursday 27 July, 7.30pm, Wythenshawe Forum

Donate to the Socialist Party

Coronavirus crisis - Finance appeal

The coronavirus crisis has laid bare the class character of society in numerous ways. It is making clear to many that it is the working class that keeps society running, not the CEOs of major corporations.

The results of austerity have been graphically demonstrated as public services strain to cope with the crisis.

The government has now ripped up its 'austerity' mantra and turned to policies that not long ago were denounced as socialist. But after the corona crisis, it will try to make the working class pay for it, by trying to claw back what has been given.

The Socialist Party's material is more vital than ever, so we can continue to report from workers who are fighting for better health and safety measures, against layoffs, for adequate staffing levels, etc.
Our 'fighting coronavirus workers' charter', outlines a programme to combat the virus and protect workers' living conditions.
When the health crisis subsides, we must be ready for the stormy events ahead and the need to arm workers' movements with a socialist programme - one which puts the health and needs of humanity before the profits of a few.