Thousands march to support hospital (From The Argus)

Thousands march to support hospital

9:00am Monday 18th September 2006 in News By Ruth Lumley

Thousands of people marched through the streets in a mass protest against expected cuts at their hospital.

The organisers of the campaign to save services under threat at Eastbourne District General Hospital were overwhelmed by the response as more than 5,000 people, including midwives, doctors and nurses, joined the protest from St Anne's Road at 11am on Saturday. It was followed by a rally in the grounds of Sussex Downs College.

The maternity, gynaecology, obstetrics and paediatric departments are all under threat as the NHS reviews services in Sussex in a bid to save millions of pounds.

The accident and emergency department at the hospital and at Conquest Hospital in Hastings are also believed to be under review.

Monica Corrina-Kavakli, who is on the committee of the Save the DGH campaign, said she was amazed at the response and the strength of feeling at the march.

She said: "It was very emotional as we went past the hospital. A lot of the staff came out to wave to us and spur us on.

"People came from all the surrounding areas of Eastbourne and seeing everyone meant all our hard work had finally done some good. I hope it has some sort of effect on the powers that be. We still have a long way to go but we are not going to give up without a fight."

The marchers were led by Eastbourne MP Nigel Waterson, Eastbourne's mayor Colin Belsey and the Bishop of Lewes, the Right Reverend Wallace Benn.

Mr Waterson said: "I was staggered by the number of people who turned up and it exceeded my expectations. It was a massive demonstration of support for keeping care services at the DGH.

"I am meeting Tony Blair on October 11 and he has agreed to hear our views. There were a lot of families at the march who said they and their children may not have been here if it had not been for the DGH."

Councillor Belsey said: "It was certainly effective and got the point across. We are a growing town and the people deserve not to lose what they have had for the last 30 years.

"Before decisions are made I hope our views are taken into account."

An NHS statement said: "Our thinking is still developing and the door is still open for ideas."

It said its proposals would be issued in the next few weeks.