Nottinghamshire Save Our Services (Notts SOS) are calling for a "day of action to save our NHS" on Saturday July 9th.

In Nottingham there will be a rally at Speakers' Corner, but campaigners are hoping for activity across the country, building on widespread opposition to the government's Health and Social Care Bill.

Among the groups already signed up to support the day of action are Youth Fight for Jobs, Save Hayward House Daycare, Disabled People Against Cuts, the local branches of the Socialist Party and Anarchist Federation and anti-cuts groups from Lewisham and Nuneaton. Notts SOS are still keen to get as many people involved as possible.

Campaigners believe the Bill will open the door towards widespread privatisation of the NHS, undermining the universal, free at the point of need, service.

Rosemary Muge from Notts SOS said, "They are now desperately spinning to get people on board. But make no mistake, the fact that Andrew Lansley says his main intentions are still intact means that even with these alterations they are leaving the way open for private companies to take over and make profits from sickness."

Harry Powell from the campaign said, "The 'pause' to allow the government to listen' has been followed by some changes and an extensive PR campaign. But we should not be fooled. The 'reforms' are still a very real threat to the NHS and there remains a pressing need to kill the Bill."

Notes for editors

1. A statement about the event with a full list of supporters can be found on the Notts SOS website: http://wp.me/p15Eeo-y5
2. In Notttingham protesters will be assembling at Speakers' Corner (the Clough Statue) for a rally from 12 noon. This will be followed by various activities around the city.
3. Notts SOS was launched on 29th September 2010. They oppose cuts to services, job losses and cuts in benefits and aim to support workers organisations, service users, community groups in fighting cuts in Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire. They hope to inspire confidence to think, meet and act. And to be inspired.

ENDS