EALING Hospital workers are ready to welcome the occupation of the maternity unit today.
Today, the hospital management intends to commence turning away expectant mothers from Ealing Hospital maternity unit and to close it for good.
The West London Council of Action is marching through nearby Southall to the hospital today and marching in to occupy the maternity unit.
At the daily picket at the front of the hospital yesterday morning, Rogeena, a Unison member and health care assistant, told News Line: ‘The maternity unit must be maintained, restored and kept open.
‘It is very important. The staff will welcome the occupation. We all want our maternity.’
Mable, a nurse and Unison member, said: ‘People need to have a free delivery within their catchment area and not have to go miles away to have their babies.
‘We will welcome the march and occupation, of course.’
Expectant mother Jamila said: ‘I am having my baby here today and I am very happy to be able to do so.
‘I live nearby and it is so convenient. I can’t imagine what it would be like to have to go elsewhere.’
Abdi, a nineteen-year-old worker, said: ‘I believe the NHS is the most important thing that we have got.
‘It keeps the country running. I can not imagine what life would be like without Ealing Hospital.’
Kam, a pharmacist and Unite member, said: ‘I had my two children here and I think that staff will welcome the occupation.’
Hanisha, also a pharmacist, said: ‘Maternity services are vital and so important for local people.
‘It is accessible for so many people. There are too many cuts and closures. We will welcome the march and occupation.’
At the nearby Hanwell Sorting Office, postal workers spoke out in defence of their hospital and in favour of trade union action to restore maternity services.
CWU member Bridgit Kirk said: ‘I am against the closure of the maternity. It is an essential service that they are taking away from local people.
‘I will come to support the occupation.’
CWU member Steve Braithwaite said: ‘It is a fear of having to move further away, a danger to the unborn child.
‘I would support taking action to restore maternity.’
