Protesters ‘surround’ hospital

Up to 300 protesters, many of which came from Montgomeryshire, formed a human chain around the Maternity & Children’s Building at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital yesterday in one last bid to stop the facility moving to Telford.

 

The campaigners took advantage of the warmer weather to deliver one final message to the Shropshire health chiefs who will now close their doors to finalise plans to centralising services.

 

The move, campaigners say, will cost Montgomeryshire lives.

 

Mum-of-three Helen Jervis has been at the forefront of the campaign and said: “Thanks to everyone who came. It was an amazing turn out with at least 250 people there. It was a very successful and well organised event and special thanks should go to Donna Benbow for organising it. Let’s hope they listen.”

 

Local Welsh Assembly candidates Wyn Williams (Lib Dem) and Russell George (Conservative) helped to marshal the event and praised the organisers.

 

Mr Williams said: “English authorities need to acknowledge Welsh customers. The Government in England must communicate with the Government of Wales to ensure ordinary citizens are not failed by the English shake up of the NHS. The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust will surely now have to sit up and take notice of local opinion.”

 

Mr George added: “I would like to congratulate Donna, Helen and the team for organising a successful demonstration. I would say that the majority of the 300 campaigners were from Montgomeryshire and I hope the Trust will re-think their plans.”