Campaign group fighting to save hospital issues rallying cry as it hosts handholding protest
Campaigners against the closure of All Hallows Healthcare Trust in Beccles will hold a handholding protest on Sunday. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2019 - Credit: Sonya Duncan
A campaign group fighting to save its community’s healthcare services has issued a rallying cry for residents to join them in a handholding protest.
St Elizabeth Hospice at All Hallows' Hospital, Ditchingham. - Credit: Nick Butcher
Last month it was announced that All Hallows Healthcare Trust in Ditchingham would be closing.
The trust treats some 250 people a day and has around 280 staff.
Since the announcement of the scheduled closure, ‘Save All Hallows!’ campaign group has been set up.
The group will be hosting a handholding protest on Sunday, April 7 in its latest effort to have its concerns listened to.
Save All Hallows Trust campaigners attending the public meeting at Ditchingham Village Hall. PICTURE: Jamie Honeywood - Credit: Archant
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A petition to save the trust which was set up last month now has more than 6,700 signatures.
More than 100 people gathered in Ditchingham Village hall on Saturday, March 30, to express their discontent over the closure.
Jaime Larter, 40, whose father relies on the trust, said she hopes to attract a strong crowd for the handhold at Ditchingham hospital.
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“I have been trying to think of ways to bring people in the community together and to raise awareness of what is happening,” she said.
Save All Hallows Trust campaigners attending the public meeting at Ditchingham Village Hall. PICTURE: Jamie Honeywood - Credit: Archant
“Handholding is very peaceful but will show our unity.
“I would urge everyone to come down to the hospital and make sure our message is heard.”
The group will gather at All Hallows and hold hands in a circle around the building at 1pm.
Ms Larter described the trust as a vital part of the community.
Protesters against the closure of All Hallows health care trust in Beccles. Byline: Sonya DuncanCopyright: Archant 2019 - Credit: Sonya Duncan
She said: “It is really important to us so anything we can do to help must be looked at.
“The community still has a voice and we can make a real difference.”
A statement which was read out at the public meeting last Saturday from the trust and the health and social care commissioners, said: “Following the announcement of the likely closure of All Hallows, we are working hard to ensure that those currently receiving care will continue to do so with another provider.
“We understand this is a worrying time for everyone involved but want to offer our reassurance that the current level of care will continue, wherever possible, until alternative care provision is found.
Save All Hallows Trust campaigners attending the public meeting at Ditchingham Village Hall. PICTURE: Jamie Honeywood - Credit: Archant
“It is our intention, that wherever possible, services will transfer to another provider with little or no disruption to those who currently receive care.”
To sign the petition visit their Change.org page.
