‘I WORK in A&E and I have the feeling that we will actually get women coming into A&E to have their babies and it’s not an appropriate place to give birth.’
Royal College of Nursing member Maria Musty was talking to News Line at the front of Ealing Hospital yesterday morning, where the West London Council of Action was holding its daily picket. The hospital management has sent letters to expectant mothers telling them that the maternity department is to close its doors to them on Wednesday 24th June.
The Council of Action is holding a march through nearby Southall to the hospital on that day, to occupy to stop the closure. Maria continued: ‘It’s a big mistake, people in this area need the maternity. ‘It’s not going to work, I think they should leave it open. ‘I live in Hanwell and my family needs this hospital too.’
Janet Smith, an Ealing Hospital patient services officer and Unison member, said: ‘I think it’s disgusting. ‘What happens if you are in labour, where are you meant to go? ‘They say have your baby at home, but home delivery is not safe, anything can go wrong. ‘It wouldn’t surprise me if people start having babies in A&E.’
Ketai Sithole, a biomedical scientist, said: ‘It’s awful. This is all about saving money. They should save money by cutting the politicians’ fancy holidays and lifestyles. I’ve worked in the NHS since I qualified and I can see the stress levels building up and building up.’
Southall resident Kaltoul Iman said: ‘Closure will make things so difficult for us. I have four children born here.’ Southall student Sanju Khetrapal said: ‘This hospital provides all the facilities to thousands of families and it must continue to do so. I’m marching to the hospital next Wednesday and joining the occupation.’
