UNISON is urging people to attend a march in Lewisham tomorrow, to protest against the planned closure of the local hospital’s A&E and maternity departments.
The union has expressed disappointment that trust special administrator Matthew Kershaw has chosen to ignore the unprecedented response to the recent consultation exercise in respect of his health proposals across Lewisham and the South London Healthcare Trust.
While the political arguments are being taken to the heart of government by our local Labour MPs, and the secretary of state deliberates on the final decision, UNISON is urging all of its members to join in the march and rally tomorrow, 26 January.
UNISON head of health Christina McAnea said: “It’s vital that we make sure that is a big turnout that sends a clear message to the secretary of state, that these plans are unfair and unacceptable to the people of Lewisham.”
Services in Lewisham are under threat because of financial problems in an entirely different trust – not at Lewisham itself.
The march will pass by the hospital and terminate in Mountsfield Park around 2pm, with live music and various speakers, including UNISON Greater London deputy regional convenor Conroy Lawrence.
Assemble under the UNISON Greater London Regional banner on the roundabout by Lewisham Station from 12 noon tomorrow.
Lewisham Hospital branch secretary Mike Davey said: “As others have already commented, we need to maximise turnout at this march and rally in order deliver a resounding statement to the secretary of state before he makes his final decision.”
