The Save Whipps Cross Hospital Campaign

Save Whipps Cross Hospital Campaign has one simple aim: to keep Whipps serving the local community as a fully funded and functioning general hospital, working within a local NHS system that provides good health care for everyone.

The campaign was formed at the end of October at a massive public meeting in Woodford, followed by another successful meeting in Walthamstow the following week.

Our members are nurses, doctors, consultants, health workers, patients, and members of the general public. Members come from all sections of the community and across the political spectrum, united by the common cause. We do not and will not promote any particular political party or organisation.

The current crisis began to hit in May, and local campaigns began at once with organisations such as Save Our Health Services and Keep Our NHS Public. Community nurses were among the first to get into action as they faced devastating cuts.

Our campaign brings together everyone in the community fighting for Whipps Cross.

We can make a difference! One early success - opposition from professionals and public pressure forced the primary care trust to drop its plans to cut health visitors and school nurses by 45% and district nurses by 22%.

The local newspapers are covering the campaign every week, and adding their own weight to the fight. The Waltham Forest Guardian has launched its own petition.

Over 200 people marched from Whipps Cross gates to Walthamstow Market square in a lively demonstration against community and hospital cuts, and in support of the lowest-paid hospital workers in dispute with a private contractor over low pay.

Well attended public meetings have been held and huge support from the public found at regular leafleting and petition signing sessions.

Public and staff have lobbied Trust Board meetings, Council meetings and meetings of the Primary Care Trust and other strategic planning meetings.

Waltham Forest Council is backing our campaign.

Staff side unions at Whipps met with our local MPs - who then wrote to the Strategic Health Authority asking for a statement on the future of our hospital.