Rally in King's Lynn on NHS' birthday calls for new hospital
A rally and march is taking place in King's Lynn today.
People will be gathering in King's Lynn today for a rally and march to commemorate the NHS' 73rd birthday and highlight the need for a new hospital in the town.
The King's Lynn and District Trades Council is organising the event which is part of ongoing calls for a new building for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
The hospital was built in the 80s and was only supposed to operate for 30 years.
Over 40 years on and it now needs over 200 props to hold up the roof.
The situation has become so serious that the hospital's risk register now states:
"There is a direct risk to life and safety of patients, visitors, and staff."
The event kicks off in the Walks at 12pm with music, followed by speakers including Jeremy Corbyn, who will outline the reasons behind calls for a new hospital.
A march will then take place through the town centre, with participants handing out leaflets while maintaining social distancing.
Organisers say people wanting to take part are being encouraged to wear hospital coats or any health related fancy dress.
They added that the rally is being held in conjunction with Norfolk Police to ensure covid compliance.
Trades Council Secretary, Jo Rust, says: "All over the UK people are taking part in rallies and marches to recognise the birthday of the NHS and the difference it's made to our lives, never more needed than during this terrible pandemic.
"But in King's Lynn our need for a new building has to be a focus.
"How can we celebrate all that's good with the NHS when our hospital is falling down and staff are being offered an insulting 1% on their pay?"
Community Campaigner Micaela Bartrum adds: "The QEH is dear to all of us who need and use it. We cannot be left in a situation where is it unsafe for staff to go to work and patients risk being moved in haste due to the severity of the situation."
Local solicitor Rob Colwell said: "We shouldn't be in a situation where hospitals have to compete with each other to try to get funding for a new building.
"The money to fund the NHS infrastructure should be available when needed."
New campaigner, Ga Chun Yau says: "I felt compelled to join this campaign, even though I've never been involved in community activism before. But it's so important that people know why we need a new building and how urgent the situation."