Dear All

On Monday 10th April the city council's scrutiny commission will be meeting at 12:30pm in the Civic Centre in Stoke. This body has the power to delay the proposed cuts at University Hospital for a number of months as a full review of the new plan is carried out. At the end of this process it will make a recommendation to the Health Secretary, Patricia Hewitt, who must then make the final decision.

North Staffs NHS-SOS is mobilising to lobby this event.

ASSEMBLE: 12:00 pm, Monday 10th April, Kingsway Entrance, Civic Centre, Stoke.

WHY YOU SHOULD COME
There are two main reasons why it's important as many people lobby the scrutiny commission as possible.

First, the committee needs to hear from staff, patients, and concerned members of the public. Because a vote has to be taken as to whether the commission hears these voices, a good turnout will influence councillors to vote in our favour.

Second, this meeting will vote on whether an investigation should take place. It seems likely a number of councillors will not want this to happen. A public gallery full of NHS-SOS supporters might jog their memory that local elections are just around the corner.

So if you have the time, please attend the lobby. Every new voice raised against the cuts will make the campaign stronger.

NATIONAL MARCH AGAINST THE NHS JOB CUTS
According to Unison, so far 6,784 job losses have been announced by NHS trusts up and down the country. A further 1,200 posts will go from NHS Direct. North Staffs NHS-SOS have organised a march for Saturday April 29th from University Hospital to Hanley (route to be confirmed by the police). Billed by Central News as a national demonstration, North Staffs NHS-SOS are campaigning to get as big a local and national turn out as possible. If you are involved in a trade union, community campaign, political party, or activist network, or just want to get involved we want to hear from you! Volunteers needed for leafleting, petitioning, etc.! Phone 01782 213157 or email this address for more details.

NHS-SOS MEETING
The campaign group next meets at 7pm on Tuesday 11th April in the Coachmakers Arms, Hanley. All welcome.

Best,
Phil Burton-Cartledge
Secretary, North Staffs NHS-SOS