Chase Farm Action Update

from WIlliam Westwell, NE Council of Action

An anniversary picket of Chase Farm Hospital in Enfield was held on Tuesday in protest at plans to axe A&E, maternity and paediatric services at the hospital.

Members of the Save our NHS Group sent a message of support to the campaigners. It makes a big difference to hear from other campaigners and breaks the isolation of local struggles. Everyone was very pleased to hear it.

Local residents and hospital staff who joined the picket were united in their belief that any cuts would have devastating consequences. One doctor explained that the loss of the A&E was short-sighted, adding: "I support people taking action to stop the closure. I'd support a sit-in to keep the hospital open and working." Other protesters spoke out against the privatisation agenda and the potential difficulties associated with transferring services to Barnet, where services are already stretched in some cases. There was widespread agreement that services at Chase Farm were excellent and that the cuts would compromise safety.

The Save Chase Farm campaign has taken the route of standfing cadidates in the local elections and using delaying tactics. We are all determined to keep Chase Farm open. Since the picket, the Secretary of State (Alan Johnson) has announced that there is to be a polyclinic - private of course - and that Chase Farm will cease to be a General Hospital.

We are to be tested then! In the next few months there will be battles on all fronts and there is a need to bring campaigns together.