Oodles of people marched in Huddersfield on Saturday 11th December, so many I couldn't see the end of the column, and everyone cheered us on.
On Saturday public disapproval was tested, and it was no surprise to me that a huge number of people turned out at HRI on Saturday morning to protest against the cuts in health provision.
Dr. Jackie, an organiser in the campaign to save the NHS, had hoped for a thousand people, and I think maybe there may even have been a few more. The slogans showed an awareness that health service 'reforms' are money motivated, and some of the less catchy and more outlandish suggested that axing services was a form of terrorism, and that MRSA has been spread by dirty privatisation.
Lots of spectators voiced their approval too, and in the Piazza, where the march drew back together again. The speeches drew approval from many who were just passing by chance, and it was decided that we would aim for 40,000 names on the petition, which is 25% of the electorate. We currently have 16,000 and are calling on the council to hold a referendum.
Comments
Hide the following 6 comments
DO IT
11.12.2005 22:01
And Enought to elect a save the Hospital Independant councilor at the local elections, Nothing wakes up lazy Councilors like the prospect of loosin 14K a year in expenses for doing sod all.
Get on with it... make them listen
Positive action now
Terry
supa
12.12.2005 11:43
KIT
e-mail: saveournhs@yahoo.co.uk
NHS monopoly
12.12.2005 13:27
http://www.healthcarecommission.co.uk/NewsAndEvents/PressReleases/PressReleaseDetail/fs/en?CONTENT_ID=4018541&chk=KvG1sX
it seems to be run more for the benefit of its employees than its customers. NHS employees have no real incentive to provide a good service as they know the vast majoroty of customers cannot take their 'business' elsewhere.
Steve
Ok, own up......who let the Tory in?
13.12.2005 09:14
The whole point about the NHS is that it is NOT run as a 'business'. Private health firms will ONLY supply a service if they can make a profit out of it. The NHS treats everyone, not just those that can afford the insurance premiums or private funding to "take their business elsewhere". Even in the great 'free market' USA, those who can't afford to pay the privateers rely on state funded health care.
How many private firms would run a health service that makes no money, and spends £87bn a year?
What motivates nurses, doctors and the rest of the frontline NHS staff is not the grubby greed of private business, nor is it their own self interest. They are motivated by something that Tories and businessmen know nothing about: the desire to help those in need, and a sense of what it means to provide a public service.
Of course, they should also be paid a decent wage, have good terms and conditions, and be able to look forward to retirement on a decent pension at the decent age of 60 as well.
Nationalise the pharmaceutical companies and the private health sector. Then tax the rich to fund a first class NHS for all.
Simon Midgley
Wasteful NHS whingers.
19.12.2005 17:17
steve
Russian Life Expectancy...
16.01.2006 17:59
Sean Spurr