Wallsend Hospital holds firm

By Jane Beckmann

NEWCASTLE -- After six months, the picket line at Wallsend Hospital is as firm and determined as it ever was. Barbara Hardes told Green Left at the picket, “We are staying no matter what happens”.

Since the hospital closure was announced last August, a Trades Hall Council ban enforced by the picketers has prevented hospital equipment being taken out of the hospital. The aim is to get the hospital reopened as a public health service.

The picket is maintained by people from the Wallsend community during the day and Trades Hall Council unions at night.

There is broad popular support for Wallsend Hospital, as rallies of tens of thousands of people protesting its closure have demonstrated.

Stalls in shopping centres are collecting signatures in support of Wallsend Hospital. Picketers also campaigned in the recent Entrance by-election.

Volunteers to help staff the picket or stalls in shopping centres should ring Newcastle Trades Hall Council on (049) 29 1162 or visit the people at the picket line.

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