EALING Hospital staff members and patients welcomed the occupation of the entrance to the closure-threatened Maternity Unit yesterday.
The occupation, to keep the unit open, organised by the West London Council of Action began on Wednesday afternoon at approximately 1pm.
The Council of Action has called another march for Wednesday July 1st, which is the date the hospital management has set to fully close the maternity.
It is calling upon the trades unions and all workers to stop work for two hours on that day from 12 noon until 2pm and for the local shops to close their doors at that time, so that thousands can march to the hospital.
Staff spoke with enthusiasm on Wednesday evening and yesterday about the occupation.
Junior doctor and BMA member Chidv Nzekwue, told News Line: ‘A lot of units are being closed and cuts are being made without any appreciation of the harmful consequences for the people effected.
‘I welcome the occupation and as you can see a lot of other staff members do too.’
New father Richard Monckton, was leaving the maternity department with his son Luka aged four and his mother-in-law Beatrice. Richard said: ‘It is our second time here. No complaints whatsoever. We don’t have a name yet but we are so grateful for the excellent staff, service and care.
‘It will be tragic for the wing to close. It’s local to many, many people.
‘How far people have to travel and the guaranteed level of care are the main issues – minutes save lives.
‘I support the occupation absolutely.’
GMB steward Domingos Fernandez said: ‘I keep telling my colleagues, don’t sleep, wake up, they are closing our hospital.
‘We all fully support the occupation and all the action to save maternity.’
Unison member Nandra Nirmal said: ‘We should all stop work next Wednesday to fight for our maternity.
‘Everybody should get together and do it.
‘After they have got rid of maternity, they intend to close, A&Es, paediatrics, out-patients, and get rid of the whole hospital.’
Sonographer, Ebeneezer Ithayakuman said: ‘The delivery ward closed yesterday. The Baby Unit closes on the July 1st, but we continue to scan.
‘The delivery ward staff have now ceased to work here. I want my maternity re-opened.’
Kim, in reception located next to the occupation, said: ‘What worries me is when pregnant women come here ready to deliver, what is going to happen?
‘Where should they go? I will have to send them to A&E.
‘I have known the midwives to rush out here with wheelchairs to take a mother close to delivery inside.
‘What is going to happen today if they can’t get in?’
Midwife Zadie took a picture of the ‘under occupation, keep maternity open’ banner and said: ‘Now we are just open for another week for emergencies. I am going downstairs to cry again, I am very upset.’
