THE LEADER of Worcester’s Trades Union Council has warned the county’s health services are on the edge of a ‘catastrophe’ and called for residents to make their voices heard over the situation.
Pete McNally has warned an estimated £40million in spending cuts will need to be made should the current situation continue.
Local trade unionists have joined other health campaigners from groups and parties to monitor the financial state of the NHS.
Mr McNally slammed the ‘chronic’ lack of Government funding which he claimed forced people to wait on trolleys at the Worcestershire Royal Hospital.
A lack of cash is also behind the plans reducing bed numbers in community hospitals and the re-organisation of acute services which will force patients and their relatives to travel further to access healthcare, according to Mr McNally.
Worcester Trades Council are planning a day of action in Angel Place on Saturday (February 11) when they will distribute leaflets and invite the public to sign petitions demanding increased funding for health and care services.
Anyone wishing to travel to London for the national ‘It’s Our NHS’ demonstration on March 4 will be able to able to reserve a seat on the coach during the day.
The group are in the final stages of putting together a public meeting, provisionally scheduled for March 23, to get city residents views on the crisis and what needs to be done.
“We cannot go on like this,” said Mr McNally.
“The public were not consulted about the rationing of hip and knee replacements, the county council do not seem to be standing up for health and care services and we need to see much more action on funding from our MPs.
“There is a real democratic deficit here and so the trade unions will do our best to organise a meeting where the local public may have their say,” he added.
Anyone wishing to attend the meeting is asked to e-mail [email protected] for more information.
