MANY readers will know about the magnificent community campaign in Chorley to defend their local A&E, hundreds have gathered to demonstrate every Saturday for the last 19 weeks to demand the reopening of their A&E.

What they may not be aware of is the negative impact this closure is having on the hospitals in the surrounding area including Bolton. The Tory plan to run down the service, don't train enough staff, under fund it, starve it of resources while claiming ever more money is going in and then claim the inefficiencies can only be solved by – surprise surprise the private sector is gathering pace.

Private interests provide services in order to garner a profit — if they are not able to do so under the existing provision of service, they will cut the service in order to make the profit. When it comes to our and future generations health care this is not acceptable.

In the latest leaked report August 25, health chiefs have warned that the NHS is to suffer a major “glut” of closures including A&E units and key services for the elderly. It will mean thousands of patients are forced to travel further for vital care. Health bosses said the plans, due to officially be unveiled in the autumn, will mean more casualty units are to close. The British public has not given their consent for the destruction of the NHS. It’s up to each and every one of us to fight for the NHS and preserve it for our families, our children and all time.

That is why on the Saturday, September 3, the Bolton “Save our NHS” campaign group will be holding a rally at the Fred Dibnah statue on Oxford St Bolton between 1noon and 3pm and on Saturday, September 17, between 10am and 11am along with five other hospitals in the region we will be holding protest at Bolton Hospital, Plodder Lane entrance, in support of the Chorley Campaign. If you care about the NHS please join us.

Martin McMulkin

Secretary Bolton & District Trades Council