Dorset NHS workers protest to demand an end to privatisation
They are also rallying for patient safety and pay justice
An NHS rally is taking place in Dorchester and Bournemouth today as part of a national day of action.
Nationwide protests for 'Keep Our NHS Public' are marking the 73rd Anniversary of the founding of the NHS.
Those working for the National Health Service are demanding for patient safety, pay justice and an end to privatisation.
The NHS was founded on July 5th 1948, it was the world's first universal health service to be created.
Keep Our NHS Public defines the privatisation of the NHS as:
The involvement of private organisations in the provision of NHS services and finances.
The removal of public ownership and Governmental responsibility for the NHS. Charging for healthcare beyond National Insurance contributions and rationing of healthcare.
Keep Our NHS Public also condemns the underfunding of NHS services, particularly when done to cynically promote the unnecessary need for privatisation of services.
Keep our NHS public and NHS Workers Say No are making three demands:
- The NHS needs to be safe for patients and staff. We have seen 850 healthcare workers die and over 150,000 Covid-19 deaths while failed PPE contracts funnel billions of pounds into the private sector.
- The NHS needs proper investment. Instead we have seen £37 billion paid to Serco for a failed track and trace system, with further privatisation plans to come.
- The NHS must reward, recruit and retain staff. Instead the government has recommended an insulting 1 per cent pay rise for NHS staff, axed bursaries, brought in tuition fees, and created a hostile environment that deters overseas staff and fuels racism.
WHERE IN DORSET CAN YOU PROTEST?
Dorchester's protest will start at 11:30am, meeting at the Town Pump, the group plan on having a static protest in the town.
The Bournemouth one is starting at 11 am and the group are meeting in Bournemouth Square.