Whittington campaigners declare victory as closure plans halted

The future of the A&E and maternity services at the Whittington

Hospital now look secure, after representatives from all parties

promised today to keep them intact.

At today's rally organised

by the Defend the Whittongton

Coalition, Health Secretary Andy Burnham delivered what's being

described as a major U-turn to assembled campaigners from Islington and

its surrounding areas, along with MPs and parliamentary candidates from

all major parties.

Burnham said: “The Whittington A&E is a

vital service in its local community. This

is a service in which we have invested £32 million over the past few

years and as far as I’ve seen there is no clinical evidence or clinical

support for any kind of downgrading or closure. On that basis, it’s

simply inconceivable that Labour would support the closing or

downgrading of the Whittington A&E or its maternity service.”

His

speech was later followed by that of Andrew Lansley, Shadow Secretary

of State for Health. Following some heckling from the crowd led by

Labour MP for Islington South Emily Thornberry who asked repeatedly is

Lansley would 'guarantee the Whittington A&E', he stated that his

party would pledge to keep it open, adding that there is 'no need for

any privitisation'.

As well as the politicians, there were plenty

of ordinary North London people showing their support, some dressed in

bandages covered with fake blood, or with cat whiskers painted on their

faces. Speeches were also given by hospital staff, including trainee

nurse Mark Boothroyd who joined with colleagues in holding up a banner

saying 'Florence wouldn't put up with this'

The day ended with a

speech from Islington North Labour MP Jeremy Corbyn, who thanked

everyone involved with the Whittington campaign, which he said had 'got

the result we wanted at this stage'. He went on to stress the importance

of the NHS; 'the most civilised thing about this country'.

The

event ended with green balloons, each printed with a black cat

silhouette being released into the air.