NHS Campaigners demand A&E reopen after two years of protesting

Chorley & South Ribble NHS campaigners marched through Chorley town centre today to mark two years since the A&E at Chorley was closed.

A BIG THANK YOU TO GRUPO SAMBAFRIQ
Protesters today accompanied by a Samba drum band marched all the way from Chorley & South Ribble district hospital to Chorley town centre.

The demonstration, fronted by the samba drum band 'Sambafriq' comes only a few weeks after protesters marked the 100th week of protests since the A&E was closed in April 2016.

Sambafriq band Chorley town centre

The previous demonstration on March the 10th marked the 100th week of protests since the A&E closed. It also coincided with the anniversary of a rally back in March 1975, when hundreds of people marched to call for a 24/7 casualty service for the district.

Then (1975 B&W) and Now

The demo in March drew bikers from all over the county who came out in force to support A&E campaigners who created a chain of supporters from Preston Road to Euxton Lane entrances.

Rivington Barn Bikers and others from surrounding area

The A&E department was closed in April 2016 with the hospital trust board blaming a shortage of staff but was reopened in January 2017 part-time (8am-8pm) after pressure from campaigners, the local MP and councillors.

Fired by a sense of injustice, campaigners have since gathered outside the hospital on Euxton Lane every Saturday morning from 10am to 11am  to campaign against the closure of the A&E unit.

But campaigners are as adamant as ever to get the A&E reinstated full-time and have vowed to 'remain on the gate' at the hospital until the A&E is reinstated full-time.

Volunteers Needed -  Can You Help?

Our Chorley & South Ribble NHS campaign organisers are currently looking for volunteers to help out with organising events and other activities.

You don't need any special skills, just the will and determination to help out where you can. If you want to help out feel free to join our facebook forum (link below) and leave a message. Alternatively use the Contact form above top left of this page.


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