The Campaign for Oxford's Hospitals Gains Momentum

7.31.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Sat 19th Nov 2005

People are becoming increasing active to try and save Oxford's Hospitals

Story from www.keepournhspublic.org.uk

"What do we want?" - "£34 million.", "When do we want it?" - "Now!"; Hundreds of demonstrators in Oxford shouted this demand today in a march against NHS cuts and privatisation.

At the start rally Evan Harris MP highlighted the threat of current policies towards Community Hospitals and community nursing sending a message of support hailing the initial success of the campaign in blocking proposals to outsource control of NHS spending but also warning that the issue has not gone away.

John Lister from the national KEEP OUR NHS PUBLIC Campaign reported that "around the country groups are springing up to defend NHS services against the predatory interests of the private sector".

GP Ken Williamson called for "a lobby of the County Council Health Scrutiny Committee to ensure proper local representation on the board of the proposed all-Oxfordshire PCT".

After the march campaigners from health unions and user groups, (such as the post workers, retired car workers and university staff and from pensioner groups) all met at the Radcliffe Infirmary.

At this meeting,

• The call to lobby the council health scrutiny committee was backed (Thurs 24th November, 10am at The County Hall).

• It was agreed to strengthen communication and co-ordination with the campaign to defend community hospitals and the Horton General Hospital.

• It was agreed that a campaign operating across workplaces (hospitals, schools, colleges, post depots, the BMW car factory, the power station, council depots, offices and libraries ... ) for a "people's ballot" on cuts and privatisation, could benefit the campaign.

Much inspiration has been taken from what was achieved in Canada , Ontario, www.ontariohealthcoalition.ca where a huge coalition of over 400 organisations campaigns on health issues, and represents constituents in the policy making process.

The next meeting of the KEEP OUR NHS PUBLIC CAMPAIGN will be on 29th November 7.30pm at the Oxford Town Hall.