Save Bitterne walk-in centre!

The NHS has announced a six month 'temporary' closure of the Bitterne walk-in centre in Southampton. After trying to close it in 2010, we believe this is another attempt to close permanently a much used service.

Despite patients who visit the centre telling us it is usually very busy, the Trust is claiming that it is underused and suffering from staff shortages. They propose people should travel to the minor injuries unit at the Royal South Hants Hospital (RSH), phone NHS 111 or visit a pharmacist if they can't see their GP.

Opposition

For many who have difficulty travelling this will remove vital access to healthcare. In 2010 over 3,000 people signed a petition to oppose the closure. We need to fight to ensure the voice of local people is heard again.

We believe the real causes of this threat to local services is the funding cuts and privatisation of the NHS over recent years. If there are staff shortages then extra staff must be recruited immediately. If funds are short, then private contracts to companies like Care UK who run the RSH for profit, should be cancelled immediately and full funding to the NHS restored.

TUSC public meeting

2pm, Saturday 25 October

Bitterne United Reformed Church, Bitterne Precinct (above Iceland), Southampton

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Finance appeal

The coronavirus crisis has laid bare the class character of society in numerous ways. It is making clear to many that it is the working class that keeps society running, not the CEOs of major corporations.

The results of austerity have been graphically demonstrated as public services strain to cope with the crisis.

The government has now ripped up its 'austerity' mantra and turned to policies that not long ago were denounced as socialist. But after the corona crisis, it will try to make the working class pay for it, by trying to claw back what has been given.

The Socialist Party's material is more vital than ever, so we can continue to report from workers who are fighting for better health and safety measures, against layoffs, for adequate staffing levels, etc.
When the health crisis subsides, we must be ready for the stormy events ahead and the need to arm workers' movements with a socialist programme - one which puts the health and needs of humanity before the profits of a few.

Inevitably, during the crisis we have not been able to sell the Socialist and raise funds in the ways we normally would.

We therefore urgently appeal to all our viewers to click here to donate to our Fighting Fund.