Chorley A&E campaigners call for locals to support national NHS rally this weekend

By Paul Faulkner
Published 29th Jun 2021, 10:45 BST
Updated 29th Jun 2021, 10:46 BST
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Campaigners calling for the 24-hour reopening of Chorley A&E say they want to use their next weekly gathering at the gates of the hospital to send “a clear message” to the new health secretary about the future of the NHS.

The group had already been planning to turn the demonstration into a local outpost of rallies taking place across the country this weekend to mark the 73rd anniversary of the health service.

With Sajid Javid having now taken over at the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) after Matt Hancock’s departure following his breach of social distancing rules, the Protect Chorley and South Ribble Hospital Campaign says it wants to spell out what it claims are “threats to the existence” of the NHS

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It is inviting people to join the socially-distanced event – the 273rd week of protest at the Euxton Lane site – on Saturday from 10am.

Campaigners will gather - socially-distanced - at the gates of Chorley Hospital as part of a nationwide series of rallies image: Protect Chorley and South Ribble Hospital Campaign)Campaigners will gather - socially-distanced - at the gates of Chorley Hospital as part of a nationwide series of rallies image: Protect Chorley and South Ribble Hospital Campaign)
Campaigners will gather - socially-distanced - at the gates of Chorley Hospital as part of a nationwide series of rallies image: Protect Chorley and South Ribble Hospital Campaign)
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Organiser Jenny Hurley fears that integrated care systems – regionally-focused partnerships of health and social care organisations, like the one covering Lancashire and South Cumbria – will oversee services being cut to the extent where “enormous gaps” are created, while she warned that proposed forthcoming legislation will allow “private providers to take services without accountability”.

She also condemned the one percent pay rise handed to NHS staff earlier this year after ”the most gruelling 18 months, putting their lives on the line”.

“From porters, to cleaners and catering staff to clinical staff – they need you now,” Ms. Hurley said.

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