The future of Trafford General continues to hang in the balance despite plans to celebrate its landmark 65th birthday this weekend.
Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt is expected to make a decision over the future of the hospital in the next seven to ten days.
This decision comes after a two year campaign by angry Trafford residents who have fought tirelessly to keep the first British NHS hospital open.
Save Trafford General Campaign Chair Matthew Finnegan said: “We are appealing to him to listen to the voice of local people in Trafford and reject the plans for more cuts at their local hospital.
“With A&E departments in crisis all over the country, it would make no sense at all to shut down casualty at Trafford and just days after its proud anniversary as the birthplace of our NHS.”
All staff at the hospital were emailed this week by health bosses and told that a decision was still pending from the Secretary of State.
However, even with the uncertainty, campaigners have organised a fun-filled weekend for the hospital’s birthday with support from 38 Degrees campaign organisation and the University of Manchester Save Our NHS campaign.
Save Trafford General Campaign co-ordinator Jo Harding said: “We have got together a really great line-up to help us celebrate the 65th birthday of Trafford General.
“Aside from all the fun, we also want to get across the message that vital services are under threat at Trafford General, the birthplace of the NHS. We all need to stand up and stand together to demand that local people don’t lose these services.”
The party will begin at 1pm with a colourful hands-round-the hospital protest outside Trafford General where A&E and other acute services now face closure.
Hundreds of campaigners along with stilt walkers, two campaign buses, musicians, patients and staff will march from the hospital to the birthday celebrations in Golden Hill Park.
Mr Finnegan said: “Friday’s celebrations may give local people the last opportunity to demonstrate their support and send a clear message to the government: hands off Trafford General.”
Guest speakers include Len McCluskie, General Secretary of Britain’s biggest trade union UNITE, who will underline the ‘Save our NHS’ message behind the celebrations and CBeebies star Will Travis, who is set to host the Save Trafford General party.
Mr Travis said: “I’m delighted to be able to take part and show my support for the Save Trafford General campaign, it’s also really pleasing that children are being involved so much. The future of the NHS is about their future too.”
The party will feature performances including local group, The Rainband, who will appear fresh from their success at Glastonbury.
There will also be a giant tea party, birthday cake and free refreshments.
For further details of the celebrations visit, www.savetraffordgeneral.com
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