“IF you care, you need to be there” – that’s the call from Neal Stote of the Save the Alex Campaign on the eve of the mass rally in Redditch town centre to keep comprehensive services at the town’s local hospital.
“It’s exactly 30 years ago that the Alex opened to care for the people of Redditch new town and 30 years on to have those services dismantled in the way that is being proposed is simply unacceptable,” he said.
“Frankly I’m amazed that there is still a question mark over the Alex, especially with what’s going on at Worcestershire Royal Hospital where they have shown they cannot cope.”
Mr Stote was speaking after delivering two assemblies to students at Tudor Grange Academy, just down the road from the Alex.
“I asked the students how many had been born there? How many had used the A&E department?
“In 10 to 12 years those students will be maybe having families of their own and having to go to Worcester instead of their local hospital here in Redditch.
“What is happening in the next few weeks will determine the shape of our health care in Redditch for years to come,” he added.
Local businesses have rallied to the cause with Studley-based AG Cranes providing banners and flags for the rally and Droitwich firm Platform Hire Ltd providing platforms to hang those flags from.
In addition both McDonalds and Burger King in Redditch are providing 1,000s of vouchers for everyone carrying a flag and there will be prizes for the best banners.
The rally, which will last one hour, is tomorrow, Saturday, May 2 and starts at 11am outside Redditch town hall before moving to the bandstand on Church Green where speakers will address protesters.
