A group of campaigners gathered to protest against the closure of a crucial healthcare trust.
Demonstrators took to the streets of Bungay today to make their feelings known about the future of All Hallows Healthcare Trust, embarking on a slow walk from All Hallows care home in Ditchingham to Buttercross.
Their march came more than three weeks after All Hallows Healthcare Trust, whose bases are in Ditchingham and Lowestoft, announced it was facing closure due to financial difficulties,
A campaign group, ‘Save All Hallows’, was formed and has since organised events including peaceful protests, hand holds and public meetings.
Jaime Larter, one of the leading voices against the facility’s closure, emphasised that determination among campaigners was showing no sign of relenting.
“The slow walk was brilliant,” said Ms Larter. “We had a lot to live up to after last weekend’s protest but the turnout was still really good.
“There was a great atmosphere, with lots of chanting and a good community spirit. It was lovely to see so many people taking part.”
Last month’s news of the trust’s closure left families in a state of agonising uncertainty, shocked that a facility buzzing with life could shut so suddenly.
As it stands, 10 providers have expressed interest in the vital service which operates a 30-bed hospital, 50-bed nursing home, a domiciliary care service and a day care service.
On Friday, April 12, its future was discussed at a meeting chaired by Bungay Town Reeve and president of the Friends of All Hallows, Sylvia Knights, aimed at giving “more answers”. Campaigners and a CCG representative were also in attendance.
“There’s only so much we can say about the meeting, but we were briefed on the criteria that prospective buyers will have to go by,” added Ms Larter. “All the bids are in and a decision will be made at some point next week.
“I’m still pushing the campaign because that is why things have been brought forward. Everyone would still be in the dark about what’s going on if it weren’t for us.
“Ultimately we want to keep all services running and the staffing intact, with as few bidders as possible taking over. All Hallows has been treated as a business when it’s people’s lives at stake.”
Visit change.org to sign the petition against the closure of All Hallows Healthcare Trust.
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