HEALTH campaigners are urging people in Hartlepool and further afield to get behind a show of support for local hospital services in two weeks’ time.

Speakers will gather at Hartlepool’s War Memorial, off Victoria Road, on Saturday, October 15 to explain how recently-released plans for the future of hospitals in the area will impact on local people.

The event, Emergency Call 4 NHS, has been organised by the Fighting 4 Hartlepool Hospital group which has opposed moves from North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust to downgrade services at the University Hospital of Hartlepool.

The latest protest comes in response to various statements from local health trusts and Care Commissioning Groups which have pointed at changes to the way healthcare is to be delivered moving forward.

Speakers who have agreed to voice their opinions on the day include Peter Stefanovic, a London Lawyer and regular NHS campaigner, and Kishan Rees, who is a Junior Doctor based in Lincoln County Hospital who has previously spoken out about break-up and privatisation of the NHS.

Glen Hughes, Deputy Chair of the Fighting 4 Hartlepool Hospital Group, said: “The rally holds great strength behind the speakers who have given up their time, but it means nothing if the people of Hartlepool and surrounding areas don’t get out and support it.”

The event will take place from 12pm-2pm, and organisers have stressed that the rally will be a peaceful affair given the location, although organisers said protesters were urged to bring placards to show the strength of feeling.