Health Service Speakers Corner in Chesterfield on May Day Bank Holiday Monday

Chesterfield Trade Unionists are starting the celebrations of the 60th Anniversary of the National Health Service (NHS) by organising a Speakers Corner on Vicar Lane at the May Day Gala on Bank Holiday Monday May 5th.

Today we take the Health Service for granted, but before it was established by post-war Labour Government, thousands of people died from preventable diseases. Healthcare was expensive and in most cases unavailable to ordinary people. Today diseases such as diphtheria, polio and tuberculosis thanks to the NHS are largely unheard of. Deaths from cancer amongst the over-65s are reducing by 2% per year. There is a 40% reduction in deaths in cardio-vascular disease. Joanne Carlin co-ordinator of the Trade Union Safety Team said “It is important to come together to celebrate the Anniversary and protect the NHS” According to organisers Chesterfield and District Trade Union Council, there are still those who would like to exploit healthcare for profits for the rich. Joanne Carlin continued “Looking to the future of the NHS, it is important that our service develops. The Trade Union Safety Team, which helps people diagnosed with occupational diseases, would like to see more occupational training for health professionals to recognise that workplaces kill.” Furthermore, strokes, cancer and heart disease are still Britain’s biggest killers. However, there is evidence that NHS is moving forward. The NHS is now promoting healthier lifestyles, as well as looking at the role of employers to prevent accidents and diseases and it is beginning a new programme of vaccinating all girls against cervical cancer. Chesterfield and District Trade Union Council calls on the people of North Derbyshire to continue to support the principle of universal and comprehensive healthcare. Free at the point of need regardless of income, colour or creed. A Speakers’ Corner to celebrate and protect the NHS is being held on May Day Monday 5th May 2008 at the Vicar Lane Shopping Centre, Chesterfield between 1.00pm and 2.40pm. Speakers will include local MPs and Trade Unionists. PRESS RELEASE Contact Tel – Joanne Carlin 01623 748161 / 07527231734 Colin Hampton, Chesterfield and District Trades Council 01246 231441 /07973515850 Date: 1st May 2008