Lunch-time hospital protests against public sector cuts

THERE will be protests at two Northern area hospitals against public sector cuts this Friday, December 17.

Friday has been designated the next National Day of Protest against the cuts and the Northern Health and Causeway Branches of UNISON will be holding lunch-time protests at both Antrim Area and Causeway Hospitals.

A statement released yesterday (Monday) on behalf of Unison's Northern Branch by conveners based at Braid Valley and Mid-Ulster hospitals, said: "We continue to be extremely concerned about the increased pressure on A&E, in-patient services and domiciliary care.

"With the impending closure of more than 50 in-patient beds at the Braid Valley and Mid-Ulster Hospitals in the new year and no additional bed capacity being provided at Antrim Area Hospital the situation can only

deteriorate further".