Unite Press Release - Thousands turn out to save Bridlington Hospital

Over 3,000 people marched through the streets of Bridlington on Saturday (20th October) in the largest demonstration yet by Unite members, supporters of the hospital and patients to keep vital services open at Bridlington Hospital. Protesters turned out in force over the Trusts plans to close the Cardiac Monitoring Unit and two acute medical wards at Bridlington Hospital which Unite has consistently said will put patient's lives at risk. The UK's largest union fears that, if these services are allowed to close, the 22 mile distance patients will have to travel to Scarborough hospital for emergency treatment could prove fatal. Kevin Coyne, Unite National Officer for Health, who addressed the rally said:

“Unite are delighted to support the ‘Save Bridlington Hospital Campaign' and the 3,000 strong turnout demonstrates local resident's concern about the threatened closure of these vital services at Bridlington hospital. “Unite will continue to work with our members and local residents to defend these services. We are urging the Chief Executive to rethink the closure plan and everyone in Bridlington to continue to lobby their MP.”

Unite Regional Officer, Terry Cunliffe, who also attended the rally said: “The massive turnout shows the massive support the hospital has as the local residents fear the closure of these critical wards and the Cardiac Monitoring Unit could put their own and their families lives at risk. “People believe they have been misled by the trust and their support shows that they will not stand by and let these closures go ahead without a fight.”

Unite officials have a meeting planned with the trust next week to discuss the ongoing consultation which ends in March 2008. -ENDS-

For further information please contact Terry Cunliffe on 01924 371765 / 07776 202007 or Ashraf Choudhury in the Unite Press Office on 020 7420 8914 / 07980 224761

Note to Editors: High resolution pictures available on request.