‘THEY HAVE abolished capital punishment in this country, but closing Ealing maternity is a sentence of death for mothers and babies,’ Greenford Bus Garage Unite Rep, Hashi Jarma said yesterday morning.
He spoke to News Line as busworkers at the garage pledged to support next Wednesday’s march and occupation of Ealing maternity department to stop its closure. Next Wednesday’s march and occupation (see ad this page) was backed unanimously at a meeting of the West London Council of Action on Tuesday this week.
The 100-plus strong meeting unanimously voted to hold the march, to call on the people of Southall, Ealing and Acton to support it and John McDonnell, Labour MP for Hayes and Harlington, said he would lead it. Unite rep Hashi Jarma, continued: ‘It is unacceptable, 400,000 people live in this borough, 2,700 babies are delivered in that hospital every year. They say they haven’t the money, but they don’t say how much the life of a mother and baby is worth.’
Busdriver and Unite member Osman told News Line: ‘This is our hospital, we’ve all got families who completely rely on it. We drive into and past the hospital every day and we all know how busy it is and how important it is for expectant mums. We will support the march and want trade union action to save the hospital.’
Earlier on the Council of Action morning picket an ambulanceman told News Line: ‘We are shocked and dismayed at the decision to close the maternity next Wednesday. It’s going to stretch all the other units in the area which are already at full capacity. We really support next Wednesday’s march and occupation. It’s a great plan, the whole community should march in to save the hospital.
‘They are already knocking down blocks. It’s not true when they say the A&E isn’t closing next. They are going to stop ambulances delivering patients here and just have a minor injuries unit with no consultant cover. We have to save the maternity to save the hospital.’
Unite member Kartar Desi joined the picket of the hospital and handed out leaflets publicising the march. He said: ‘All the people of Southall need this hospital. We’ve got to get a big march, everyone should come on it.’
Former Hillingdon Hospital striker and Unison member Maya Chopra also joined the picket before heading off to campaign at the bus garage. She said: ‘Next Wednesday we’re coming and bringing more and more people to save our hospital.’
Jo Price, Unison Rep for Hounslow Council workers, said: ‘This hospital is vital and occupying is the way to win. Our union leaders don’t want to fight, but we have to make them, or kick them out.’
