We Love the NHS March & Rally

This was a carnival as much as a trade union or political march. As well as thousands of NHS workers and supporters, there were stilt-walkers in fancy dress, steel drums, a brass band and Soca dancers in the front. The march was in celebration of the NHS (approaching its 60th birthday next year) and a reminder to the government about keeping the NHS public and free at the point of use.

For part of the march I was helping to carry the UNISON banner of St Georges Hospital branch (Wandsworth) who had a photo of the founder of the NHS Nye Bevan on it. Behind us were some very deafening drums, which did wonders for my hangover following last night’s leaving “do”. The excited supporters beside me blowing whistles all the time just added to the experience.

There was a rally at Trafalgar Square. Dave Prentis and other trade union leaders spoke. I didn’t stay for the music and other attractions. I had to go and help some Labour Party comrades set up a new blog!

Just before the march I met up for the first time with Mikael Duthu, who I have crossed swords with figuratively in blogosphere. He seemed a very nice chap (Swedish). It is strange to meet up with someone in person you have only “met” on the Internet (like meeting grimmerupnorth at Labour conference). I asked if I could take his picture. For some reason he was a little nervous that I would post it with some silly caption next to it (as if). I assured him that I would not. After all what could I say that could top someone proudly having their picture taken holding copies of Socialist Appeal!

"NHS Together" Day of Action

This is a picture of our UNISON General Secretary, Dave Prentis, kicking off the "NHS Together" day of action at a lunch time protest in Kingston hospital (London Region) surrounded by all sections of hospitals including nurses, consultants, the hospital Chaplin, midwives, medical secretaries,physiotherapists ,OT staff and nursing students.

Dave Prentis pledged to ensure that UNISON would work with all NHS Unions and patient groups to defend the NHS, "We are determinded to win this battle" and urged all hospital staff to play their part"I want all our members and those in the NHS Together Alliance to take pride pride in the NHS and join the numerous NHS Together rallies and marches taking place cross Britain (today) 3rd March). In over 100 events.

Kelly Green, UNISON Nursing Student Representative, was one of 30 nursing students present. "We have been told by our University that there may be no jobs for us in the NHS when we qualify in 3 months time, and that we should look to the private sector, go abroad or even consider jobs "similar" to nursing. This is not why I or my nursing colleagues went into nursing, we know the NHS needs us and we want to play our part in rebuilding our NHS. However, after three years we are facing a very uncertain future, The Government needs to act, and act now"

UNISON Nursing students say "Let us work". Michael Walker UNISON Regional Officer
says "we are launching this national campaign in Kingston, because health care workers in Kingston are fully committed to defending our NHS, a health service we believe is still the best in the World"

Nora Pearce UNISON Branch Secretary states
"We are proud the Dave Prentis UNISON General Secretary has decided to come to Kingston to launch the campaign, our members are fully behind UNISON and the NHS Together campaign UNISON is also demanding jobs for nursing students on the point of qualifying from Kingston university, many of whom have no jobs.