Press Release

Contact: Richard Burt 07970 713 032
Embargo: Immediate 26th March 2007

VETERAN HOSPITAL CAMPAIGNER TO SPEAK AT WORCESTERSHIRE NHS RALLY

Veteran hospital campaigner, Pat Merrick is the latest lined up to speak at the ‘Save Our Health Service’ march and rally in Malvern on Saturday 10th March.

Pat has been a member of Malvern Community Hospital League of Friends for the past thirty years and is currently the Chairman. She also serves on the Patient and Public Health Forum for Worcestershire Acute Trust and is well known for her tireless campaigning for a new community hospital in her home town.

West Worcestershire’s Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate, Richard Burt called for the rally to protest about cuts to health services in the county, and said he was delighted that Pat had agreed to speak.

“Pat has a lifetime of experience battling for better health services in Worcestershire. She will not be fit enough to join us on the march, but she will be present in Priory Park to see us off at 11.15am, and will address the rally on our return around noon.

“I am delighted that Pat has agreed to speak along with Independent Health Concern MP, Dr Richard Taylor. I know that Pat has gained so much respect for the work she has done over the years.

“With over 500 jobs already frozen in Worcestershire hospitals, there is a very real concern that future services may be cut and developments help back.

“More and more people are saying they will be attending the event on the 10th to send a clear message to Government that you cannot pay for Whitehall mismanagement with cuts to health services in Worcestershire.”

Readers are being asked to share their experiences of the NHS, good or bad, by emailing Richard Burt on richard@richardburt.org or via his website www.richardburt.org

Ends.

Editors note:

Pat Merrick can be contacted on 01684 564162