UNISON has invited non-executive directors from Bedford Hospital trust to attend a community rally on 26 July organised against the recent removal of paediatric services at the trust.
It is anticipated that many hundreds of people will attend the rally to voice their concerns, which is why UNISON has taken this action to create an opportunity for the board members to listen first-hand to what the local community, service users and staff have to say about the decision to cease paediatric services at the trust.
Bedford Hospital UNISON branch secretary Ian Thomas said: “It is key that members of the board, who should be representing not only the interests of the trust, but also that of the community which it serves, are seen to be listening to what the people of Bedford have to say about the emerging paediatric issue.
“The community and staff alike need to be reassured that full paediatric services will be returning to the hospital and that board members are doing all that they can do to ensure this happens sooner rather than later.”
UNISON awaits responses to the invite it has sent out, but sincerely hopes that the non-executive board members will avail themselves to attend the rally and have real conversations with those that really matter.
Regional organiser Cheryl Godber added: “I applaud the local UNISON activists for taking it upon themselves to make this approach to the non-executive board members.
“It is extremely important that the people of Bedford are listened to and that what they have to say is actually heard and acknowledged by those that have some influence over the decisions made by the trust.
“I do hope that the board members also see this as an important opportunity for community engagement on what is a very emotive issue.”
UNISON Bedford hospital branch
Key issue: Fighting cuts and privatisation in the NHS
Campaign: A million voices for public services
News story: UNISON joins fight for Bedford paediatric services (19 July)
