General Discussion about the group
There was an overview of why the group had been set up. We are a branch of the national KONHSP campaign, who wish to help organise the broadest most active possible opposition to the possible closure of Worthing & Southlands Hospitals ("the closure").
At the same time we want to make sure that opposing privatisation of NHS services and opposing *any* cuts in NHS jobs or services are at the centre of the anti-closure campaign. Our accent is on maximum staff and patient involvement in any campaign.
The meeting agreed that we are certainly not setting up in opposition to the existing KWASH campaign, which has done some good work. We want to make sure that everybody campaigning against the closure is united. Rather,
we see WKONHSP as an additional resource to KWASH in the closure campaign. We are very happy to help distribute KWASH material and to work as closely as possible with KWASH (broadly seen as 'the MPs campaign').
At the Public Rally, the platform were asked to set up a Steering Committee for KWASH, which they agreed to, but to date no-one at the meeting was aware that anything had happened to this effect. If and when such a Committee is set up, we would look to have a WKONHSP representative on it.
It was thought that Simon Buss is currently preparing a new KWASH leaflet, so we will seek to get copies.
There was a general agreement on the seriousness of the PCT's possible intentions to close or severely cut Worthing hospital services, and of the irrationality of such a course of action. Lots of new houses are planned for the area, so cuts and closures dont make sense with a growing population. Is the PCT/SHA using the right demographics in their calculations?
Ideas for Activities, Stunts etc
- A meeting for staff at the hospital to be organised as soon as possible, as we would like to see maximum hospital staff involvement. To be organised under the auspices of the trades unions (UNISON, GMB, RCN) and WKONHSP.
- We would like to see banners, posters and stickers in prominent places across the area
- We want to organise information stalls to take place as often as practicable in as many local centres as possible (i.e. not just Worthing town centre).
- There were various ideas of pre-existing networks we can tap into to distibute materials and notices - e.g. local schools, colleges and playgroups/nurseries; GP and dentist surgeries, community centres.
- To have stock leaflets and posters downloadable from the Worthing KONHSP website.
- Regular and persistent press/media coverage of campaign activities, stunts to attract this coverage
- To establish a link with Age Concern (and Guild Care) to highlight the risks to elderly patients
- Ideas for WKONHSP leaflet: keep it simple and striking, points to be made: Invite a WKONHSP speaker for your group/organisation, Get Involved Now! Stress the urgency for campaigning work, Everyone can be involved in doing something; Tell Us Your Story; Contacts for WKONHSP
Next meeting and other dates
The next WKONHSP meeting will be held on Wednesday 6th September at 7pm upstairs at
The Alexandra , Lyndhurst Road
Saturday 23rd September was designated a day of action - with stunts and public stalls.
Possible date for Public Meeting - Saturday 30th Sept or Saturday 7th Oct
No Cuts, No Closures, No Sell-Offs!
Email: worthingkeepournhspublic@yahoo.co.uk Phone: 01903 204975 or 07974 095233 Write: 48 Sugden Rd, Worthing, BN11 2JL.
