DEMONSTRATIONS to protect the NHS were held across the North-East over the weekend.

The national lobby group 38 degrees chose towns and cities across the region as part of national day of protest on Saturday.

Events were attended by activists and parliamentary candidates who want to preserve health services whatever the outcome of the General Election next week.

Campaigners in Darlington took their petition to the town centre to encourage residents to come together and support the cause.

Anna Hickson, 65, said dedicated staff at Darlington’s Memorial Hospital had supported her husband when he had his legs amputated.

She said: “He nearly died and the staff worked wonders, I don’t know what we’d do without the NHS.

“In Ireland, my daughter pays 30 euros just to see a doctor and this is what could happen here.

“People won’t be fit to pay for their treatment so we must try to save the NHS.

“We have to look after our nurses and doctors and the vulnerable people who are at risk. Services are being overstretched and we need to highlight that.”

Candidates for the Bishop Auckland seat met campaigners outside the town’s hospital to hear their concerns.

Led by organiser and campaigner, Dr Rod Watts, the group discussed the lack of an accident and emergency department at the facility, which was purpose built in 2002, as well as the downsizing of facilities and the deterioration of the ambulance service.

They heard the number of beds has been reduced from more than 280 in 2002 to 145 now and that the facility has lost the stroke and haematology departments.

Dr Watts said: “Here in Bishop Auckland we have the particularly disgraceful downsizing of facilities that used to be provided in this excellent hospital together with the concomitant deterioration of ambulance services, especially with regard to the Dales.”

Similar protests were held in other areas including Durham City, Middlesbrough and Seaham.

David Babbs, executive director of 38 Degrees, said: “Every parliamentary candidate needs to realise that cutting NHS funding, or handing it over to private companies, is a huge turn off for voters.

“The day of action is all about the people taking back the power, and putting their MP candidates to the test on the NHS.”