On the 3rd March, more than 250 people took to the streets of Preston do demonstrate against the privatization of the NHS. Among the protesters were, trade unions, doctors, nurses practicing or in training, other health professionals, and also political groups such as Socialist Workers, and Anarchists.

The demo started at the Market place in front of the Harris museum at 12:30, setting of from there on a march around the town center and back to the starting point. All along slogans were shouted and leaflets handed out to people on the streets. In a display of public creativity many people made their own banners carrying them during the march. Not only were they anattraction for the media present, but also drew attention to the fact that monies that could fund the public health service are being spent on, the production of WOD, or wars that allegedly protect us from the said mechanisms of apocalypse.

Back at the Marketplace, a series of speakers introduced by a Respect councillor, elaborated on the dangers of private health service. We heard many different angles, from different people such as Amicus representatives, councilors, a consultant, among others. Frequently mentioned was the private health provider Netcare, that takes on some of the non-urgent procedures normally carried out by the NHS at a significant higher cost and to a lower standard than the service provided by the NHS. While it is true that this passing on some of the non urgent procedures to private company would reduce waiting times for patients, it would also mean that in the long run, the NHS will loose its flexibility as junior doctors would have less opportunities to train on on simple cases, and also the NHS would be left with all the difficult and expensive cases.

All in all, the demonstration was success. It raised the awareness of this issue in the community, and it showed a that there is a true spirit of solidarity among those who campaign for a free and universal health service.