Crowds rally in protest at closures

From the archive, first published Saturday 10th Sep 2005.

CROWDS of angry staff, patients and residents gathered outside Bradford on Avon Hospital on Monday to stage the first in a series of protests sparked by its closure.

Up to 150 protesters carrying Save our Hospital banners heard UNISON spokesman Roger Davey unveil plans to lobby the cash-strapped West Wiltshire PCT into reopening the Berryfield Road unit.

Speaking through a megaphone from the hospital steps, Mr Davey said: "We are here today because September 5 was named as the date this hospital would reopen. It is now clear the PCT had no intention of doing that.

"The people of Bradford do not deserve to be treated in this way. Why should they have to pay the price for the financial mess the PCT has found itself in?"

Mr Davey said he was angry at the lack of public consultation. He told the crowd: "The PCT don't care about your views. They think you don't deserve a hospital. Well I say we don't deserve this PCT."

West Wilts MP Dr Andrew Murrison was on hand to offer his support to the protesters.

Dr Murrison said: "Last month the PCT dropped a bombshell when they announced the closure of this unit. This is unacceptable and you are right to man the barricades and fight for this hospital that provides such brilliant care for the local population."

A nurse from the hospital, who asked not to be named, said she was unsure of her future after the sudden closure.

She said: "We have always been told by the NHS that patient care is of the utmost importance. How are we supposed to provide that care if they take away our hospital?

"The staff here are like one big family and thought of us being split up is heartbreaking. This closure came so suddenly that we had no time to retaliate ­ that's why we're here today."

Bill and Jill Sherman, owners of the post office in Trowbridge Road, took a petition to the protest signed by more than 200 customers.

Mrs Sherman, 57, said: "Four years ago Bill suffered a heart attack and was rushed to Bradford hospital. The staff were brilliant and Bill was stabilised before he was moved to the Royal United Hospital in Bath. Without this facility he might not be here today."

After the protest Mr Davey said: "Next Wednesday we will lobby PCT chief Carol Clarke before a meeting of the West Wiltshire District Council. I will also be leading two protest marches through Westbury on September 17 and in Bradford on September 24."

Town councillors in Westbury have put forward a resolution of no confidence in the West Wiltshire Primary Care Trust. At a meeting on Monday they said they would fight the decision to close parts of Westbury Hospital.

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