Hands Off Our Hospital Campaign Goes To Downing Street

Reporter: Jan Harwood
Date online: 13/04/2006

The “Hands off our Hospital” campaign headed for London on Wednesday as 65 Rochdale people boarded a coach and mini-bus to deliver the petitions that have been signed by over 35,000 people. The townsfolk boarded the coaches early in the morning and were sent on their way by Mayor Ashley Dearnley, who praised the people for what they were trying to achieve for our town.

A long journey, involving typical M6 traffic problems, ensued but the group arrived on time at Westminster to meet MP Paul Rowen and spirits were high as the petitioners left the Houses of Parliament and made the short walk to Downing Street. Here the group gathered outside the gates with posters and banners to emphasise their plight whilst 6 members of the campaign, including Councillor Jean Ashworth, were led by MP Rowen through the gates and on to number 10 to hand in the petitions. Hopefully, now the Government will take note of Rochdale’s desperate need to save its hospital; meanwhile the members of this group and thousands of Rochdale people will fight on.

Having completed the serious task for the day, the group had chance to enjoy themselves on an interesting tour of Parliament; taking in the amusing tales of the guides whilst looking at the magnificent House of Lords and Gallery Hall before seeing where decisions, such as those which will affect Rochdale’s Hospital, take place, the House of Commons. An enjoyable, and more importantly a successful, time was had by all of the petitioners and it is thanks to the efforts of these people that Rochdale’s hospital has a chance to continue its full compliment of services.

Councillor Jean Ashworth spoke of the importance of the trip, “We owe it to the future generations of our town to make this trip - we must do everything possible to strike at Parliament - the heart of democracy. Health Bosses seem to assure us that this is a 'consultation' - we aim to deliver the clear message to Parliament that - YES there has been a consultation and the clear message from the people of Rochdale is NO to losing our vital Child-Care, Maternity and any reduction in our Accident and Emergency Services.”

Mayor Ashley Dearnley told Rochdale Online how proud he was of the people that went to London, “It’s very impressive when people have travelled so far to make it clear to the Government the people’s concern for Rochdale’s health service. I am very grateful to the people who are supporting the health service in Rochdale and this sort of thing will make the Government sit up and take notice.”

Rochdale Online messageboard user and one of the petitioners, Linda Phillips (Charly) commented on an enjoyable day out, "The day was a great success with everyone having a good time. Thanks to the organisers - well done! We all felt as though we had made a clear statement about the proposed changes."