TUSC Fights To Defend Stafford Hospital

Local Trade Unionist & Socialist Coalition (TUSC) supporters and Socialist Party members were out in Stafford last Saturday campaigning to defend Stafford hospital against some of the national media and government attempts to blame it's nurses, doctors and other staff for the horrific deaths of between 400 and 1,000 patients.

Individual acts of neglect and cruelty should of course be investigated, but the real blame for this disaster lies elsewhere. For more than three decades both Tory, Labour and Con-Dem governments have pushed the culture and practice of big business into the NHS leading to the disastrous consequences highlighted at Stafford.

To become a Foundation Trust in 2005 Mid-Staffordshire NHS Trust was forced to comply with financial targets set by the Labour government. This meant it needed to 'overcome' an already existing debt of £10 million and the ongoing crippling repayments to cover a PFI deal to build a new entrance.

This was paid for with drastic cuts in the wage bill and with another 160 job losses in 2006 on top of the 100 that had already been cut. This for a service that was already understaffed and demoralised. But this 'successful' outcome for the Labour government and financial management at Stafford hospital proved to be a disaster for many patients. The loss of 260 doctors, nurses or other NHS staff at Stafford were a direct cause of the disastrous situation that unfolded.

Stafford Hospital is also 'saving' money by keeping it's A&E closed at night, which leaves patients with no choice but to travel to the University Hospital of North Staffs which is between 40 minutes to an hour away.

Local feeling runs strong on this issue, with Stafford residents queuing up to sign our petition last Saturday, with over 200 people signing in just two hours. The majority were incensed at the way in which the nurses, doctors and other hard working staff at the hospital are being pilloried in the press and elsewhere. Many congratulated us for standing up for them. The wife of a Stafford doctor noted that “It's great to see someone fighting for our hospital”

TUSC in Stafford will be standing at least four local TUSC candidates in May's local elections - Jim Reading a teacher and NUT rep at a Stafford school, John a Stafford NHS employee, Stafford disability activist Josie and Scott Wilson an ex Labour Stafford councillor.
We will be standing against the government and local county council's endless cuts and privatisation of local services but we will also be standing to defend Stafford hospital and it's hard working staff.
We will be fighting for, as part of the larger TUSC agenda

Stafford hospital to be fully funded by the NHS

Adequate staffing levels at Stafford to provide good quality care for all patients and a return of a 24 hour A&E department

An end to bullying, target based policies throughout the NHS

Any outstanding PFI deals and debt at Stafford and in the NHS nationally to be scrapped.

Stop privatisation - Kick big business out of the NHS

Axe the Social Care Act – Stop the Destruction of the NHS

For a national trade union led weekend demonstration against attacks on our health service

If you are interested in standing in Stafford as a Trade Unionist & Socialist Coalition candidate, want to help our campaign or just find out more call/text 07845893607