REBEL councillor Kevin Bennett showed his support for Junior Doctors on a ‘picket line’ outside Warrington Hospital today – and expressed disappointment that he was not joined by other councillors.
Cllr Bennett, who was joined by other Warrington Trades Council members said:”I was disappointed not to see any of the councillors from Warrington there but the amount of public support shown by honking horns was tremendous.”
“This government is determined to ram through changes to junior doctors’ contracts leading them to work excessive hours and have their pay slashed.
A total of 97% of junior doctors voted for strike action – for the first time in over 40 years – showing the huge anger and resentment over these unfair and unsafe contracts.
He added: “But the burden of defending the NHS and defeating the government’s privatisation and austerity agenda can’t be left to one group of workers to fight alone. Workers in other trade unions should coordinate action in solidarity with the junior doctors.
“After all, it’s the same week that the Trade Union Council has called for a week of action against the new anti-trade union bill”.
Warrington Hospital announced that procedures were in place during the day of strike action.
Emergency care remains unaffected, however patients/members of the public are advised NOT to use A&E unless it is an absolute emergency.
The hospital has activated its Full Capacity Protocol and adult patients presenting at A&E with minor conditions or injuries will be transported by the Red Cross to our Urgent Care Centre at Halton General Hospital.
Options for minor injuries or ailments are as follows:
•See your local pharmacist
•Call your GP
•Call NHS111
•Travel to Urgent Care Centres at Halton General Hospital WA7 2DA or Widnes Oaks Place WA8 7GD
