Support Stafford Hospital campaigners have taken their fight to the University Hospital of North Staffordshire this morning - mounting a protest at the main doors to the Stoke hospital. A group of a dozen protesters have been outside the hospital since 5am, and unfurled a giant banner protesting at plans to downgrade a range of Stafford Hospital services and transfer them to Stoke. Campaigner Julian Porter said they wanted to get the message across that moving services out of Stafford would lead to extra pressures on UHNS and affect patients throughout central and north Staffordshire. "We have had a great reception from staff and from patients visiting the hospital," he said. "They understand our concerns. "The hospital management don't have the same attitude, of course. We have already had a visit from security guards, and we are expecting the police along shortly." |