"DOCTORS BACK HOSPITAL CLOSURES" (!) ... THE GOVERNMENT'S PLANS BECOME CLEARER

Yes, you heard right. The Observer reported on Sunday that the heads of the British Medical Association and the Royal College of Physicians have given their support to government plans to close up to SIXTY hospitals across the UK.

It's difficult to believe that these are genuinely-held medical opinions rather than the words of people who know which side their bread is buttered on.

Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt (having had the way prepared for her) will today echo these plans for cuts - dressed up (a la Candy Morris) as moving services "into the community".

All of this shows how important it is that we organise the biggest strongest possible campaign to save our health services, and that campaigners across our region and the whole country link up their efforts urgently.