Save Huddersfield NHS
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Save Huddersfield NHS is a broad based campaign against the Kirklees and Calderdale NHS Trust Board's proposals to close St. Lukes Hospital and transfer services (including maternity care) from Huddersfield to Halifax and Wakefield, led by Dr. Jackie Grunsell. The campaign was initially formed after a public meeting organised by the Huddersfield branch of the Socialist Party (England and Wales).
The campaign has organised, amongst other things, a mock-ballot on the issue, three demonstrations (with the largest being over 2000 people) and a petition signed by over 60,000 people. One of its key demands was for Kirklees Council to organise a referendum, allowing the people of Huddersfield to decide upon the issue. When the council declined to undertake this, the campaign stood three candidates in the local government elections of 2006. Dr. Grunsell was elected to the council with a majority of 800, after declaring her campaign to be a referendum on the local council. [1]
The campaign linked up with others across the country through the 'People United Saving Hospitals' (PUSH) umbrella group, who called for a national demonstration on Saturday 3rd March 2007 against all NHS cuts. They already had the support of AMICUS, 'Keep Our NHS Public' and two regions of UNISON. PUSH had previously organised a united day of action across the country on 15th December 2006 against NHS cuts. [2] The campaign also began campaigning against further cuts to health services in the district, such as the threatened closure of Princess Royal hospital, cuts to district nursing and a freeze on recruitment.
The campaign stood another candidate in the 2007 local elections in the Crosland Moor and Netherton ward of Kirklees Council, Ian Slattery. Although he did not win, he received over 1000 votes. [3]
Threats to close Princess Royal, have now been ended, partially due to the pressure of the campaign.
Near the Princess Royal Hospital (near Greenhead Park) an unknown graffitist had painted Save the NHS on the wall outside the hospital. At the same time a similar message was painted on the Labour Party offices, but was swiftly removed. The painting on the wall outside Princess Royal remains.
