Campaigners fighting to save Swanage Hospital from proposed closure decended on The Mowlem Theatre in Swanage for a public meeting on Friday July 20th.
An aproximate head-count gave numbers of just over 1000 people attempting to gain access to the Mowlem Theatre. Once capacity had been reached, over 500 people were denied entry to the meeting, due to Health and Safety considerations.
A wide cross-section of the community was in attendance, including MP Richard Drax, District and Town Councillors, members of the Rotary and Lions Clubs, members of the local clergy, doctors, hospital staff and DCC carers, representatives from the business community, Hospitality Association and the general public.
Elderly residents made the effort to attend, many using mobility aids, showing the strength of feeling against possible closure of Swanage Hospital. It is a credit to our older population that they were willing to stand outside for some considerable time in order to get their voices heard.
Angry at the absence of any means of outside broadcast, which would have enabled those excluded to at least be able to listen to the proceedings. Campaigners forced to stay outside, led by David Furmage, began to chant ‘Save Our Hospital’ in order to try and have some form of voice at the meeting within.
The noise was audible in the theatre, leading to John Morton from NHS Dorset having no option but to consider addressing the gathering crowd outside. However, he only made it halfway down the stairs before refusing to meet with campaigners unless the police presence was increased.
Back-up was called in, and finally, flanked by two officers, John Morton left the meeting and spoke to the crowds outside. Protestors were angry that the chosen venue could not facilitate the numbers wishing to take part. John took several questions from the crowd, many of whom were angry and upset, the possibilty of losing their hospital an emotive subject.
Jason Hailselden, a local business owner, was instrumental in ensuring that the outside protest remained peaceful and organised. Due to Jason’s questioning, John Morton was forced to concede that a further meeting would be necessary. We will bring you the details of this additional meeting as soon as we have them. It is hoped it will be scheduled for a location, possibly outdoors, where there will be sufficient capacity to accommodate all those who wish to attend.
So, public opinion has been heard by NHS Dorset. The population turned out in force, and certainly had their voice well and truly heard. It is wonderful in these days of apathy to see democracy in action in Purbeck.
Subscribe in a reader
It Sickens Me the Bonheaded Arrogance of MPS on £65,000 Pounds per Year
plus Expenses who have Not a Clue about the Slavery of Austerity and
the Docility and Gormlessness of People who Do Not Oppose the Slavery of
Austerity