By John Parkinson (Secretary, Preston Trades Council)
On the day Geoffrey Howe presents hin attacking jobs services, trade unionists in Preston will be planning their response al a meeting of the local public sector Action Committee *Health: Even before the Tories washing cuts. services are grosse There in la single bed free in the local hospitals.
Preston Royal Infirmary is tfit only for burning down" according to onc local councillor. The planned new hospital scheduled for opening in 1981 is long overdue.
"Abortien: Only 17 per cent of ahortions In Preston are performed on the NHS, compared atonal average of 50 per cent. Th rades Council. National Abortio Campaign, and Women's oup are copa ь for a day carc abortion clinic in the new hospital.
Our joint inquiry into the lack of speedys free #hortions drawn a blank from the Aren Health Authonity.
vEn- local pro-abortion Labour left MP. Stan Thorne, has ignored our campaign. In a strongly Catholic lown with well-organised policy for a woman's right to chose.
*Nurserles: It isn't only our health that is under fire. The Central Lancs.
Town Development Corporation, introdaced to created jobs and houses, is creating mayhen.
* They are calling for churity te Therefore the Camden and Islington Health Authority have decided to and close all the beds at the EGA at Euston Road immediately.
It was the massive support for the hospital which won the commitment from the government that the EGA should stay on its Euston Road site. Two million pounds of goverament money will be made availuble to modernise the hospital.
The end But the government wants to close half the hospital reducing the number of beds from the original 150 te 40.
Funds will only be provided for kynaccological in-putient and related outpatient clinies. This will mean the end of the EGA as a general hospital for woien The calling for churity funding for a day care hospital and further outpatient services for women. But these are just empey promises.
Fighting for these expanded services as part of the NHS. to the women who need these services. and lo ether closure is - if you want them you must find the money to pay for them we won't.
government talks about have been with clesure.
The Tory government's message hospitais Tighting charity fundingSuccessive Labour and Tor governments have cut money from health and other public services to try and holster the profits of big business. That is why the EGA Is threalened The Tories" plans are to cut even more services and lo encourage pay heds and private medicine. Asemhle Those of us who cun't afford to pay for health care will have to rely on askeleion health service dependent on Service free at the time of need. It's up to us to carry on the Hundreds of hospitals throughout Britain are forced into closare or une crippled by lack of staff and money for repairs and equipment. Waiting lists grow longer every day Tie EGA will fight alongside others demanding an end to cuts more money for the health service and better heulth cure for all.
Protest • A protest demonstration has been called for Wednesday 20 June, 1.00pm EGA. Euston Rond. [100 yards 5t Panerus Station).
Further Information contact the Save the KGA Campaign c/o Camden Road, London NWI