Protest as Ealing Maternity Unit threatened with closure

Steve Eason • May 20, 2015

Protests continue against the end of maternity services in Ealing, reports Steve Eason.

Today the Clinical Commissioning Group for Ealing held its public consultation at a private sports club near West Ealing. They discussed the closure of Ealing Maternity Unit and resulting closures including paediatrics and gynaecology. A panel of some 24 leading NHS cutters were there, including Dr Mark Spencer. While the meeting was in progress a member of staff from Ealing Hospital came out in tears.

There was a 50 strong protest outside called by West London Save Our NHS groups and supported by 38 Degrees with their ambulance, members of Unite and Unite Community.

Local MPs Rupa Huq and Steve Pound spoke, as well as members of the public and Rebecca from 38 Degrees.

Eve from Ealing Trades Council said “This is going to be rolled out all over the country – privatisation of the NHS” and Laura from Ealing Save our Hospitals campaign told me: “This could be the start of protests all over the country – if only people knew about it.”

All photos and video by Steve Eason