Hundreds of people joined a march through Southend to protest against proposals that could see Southend Hospital’s emergency department downgraded.
Campaign group Save Southend A&E, which describes itself as non-political, organised the protest along High Street on Saturday, May 20.
It comes in response to The Mid and South Essex Success Regime’s Sustainability and Transformation Plan, which could see a specialist emergency hospital for Essex located in Basildon.
Save Southend A&E secretary Mike Fieldhouse said: “The Save Southend A&E march on Saturday was to raise public awareness about the proposed plans to downgrade Southend Hospital’s A&E department to a walk-in centre that in reality might be not much more than a minor injuries department with all 999 ambulances having to travel to Basildon along the busy A127.
“It’s obvious from the huge numbers of people, of all ages and from all walks of life, that attended the march and rally, just how strong feelings are running about this and how passionate people are in defending their NHS.”
A spokesman for the Mid and South Essex Success Regime told the Yellow Advertiser last month:“The three hospitals in Basildon, Chelmsford and Southend are working as a group to meet rising demands and make best use of specialist staff.
“There are no plans to close A&E at any of the three hospitals, and a public consultation will be carried out at the end of the summer before any decisions are made.”
Article originally published by Yellowad
