21.09.1995

Ninewells occupied

Blair’s public relations face, but it is barely skin deep. Labour makes no secret of the fact that it too has the axe out for the health service

TEN MEMBERS of the Dundee Campaign Against Hospital Cuts and Closures occupied the trust boardroom at Ninewells Hospital on Monday September 18.

They were protesting against the closure of DRI and highlighting the undemocratic nature of the trusts themselves.

Before the phone lines were cut off they were able to give a live news broadcast to the local radio station. After a three-hour protest they left the boardroom. At the insistence of the trust hierarchy they were charged with breach of the peace.

The occupation was an important gesture, but there is no doubt that if we are to really force the hospital bosses to their knees then more occupations involving the workforce will be necessary. Rank and file action needs to be fostered so that workers can overcome the apathy and collusion of the trade union bureaucracy.

Mary Ward