Local Labour members take to the streets in campaign to save NHS

Rochdale MP Tony Lloyd and Labour Party members show their support for the NHS

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Rochdale MP Tony Lloyd and scores of local Labour Party members took to the streets on Saturday in support of the NHS.

The day of action called on the Conservative government to increase funding for hospital services to deal with the winter bed crisis.

Mr Lloyd said: “It was great to see so many Labour Party members out campaigning for the NHS. Everyone needs excellent health services, but this government is not providing the funding it needs to meet rising demand.

“Operations are being cancelled, waiting lists are at a record high and patients are being forced to wait hours on end in A&E corridors and in the back of ambulances.”

Deputy Council Leader Daalat Ali said: “We talked to hundreds of shoppers in the town centre about the crisis facing local hospitals and they all signed our petition to Theresa May to:

• Halt Tory hospital closure plans
• Increase staffing levels and make sure patient care always takes priority
• Increase training for more doctors and nurses

Councillor Janet Emsley said: “We have had enough of ward closures, overworked and under-resourced doctors and nurses struggling to keep service going.

“Under the Tories our health services are in crisis and lives are being put at risk. Labour will put patients first and properly fund the NHS.”