UCU at the NHS Together March, 3 November 2007

Michael MacNeil, UCU Assistant General Secretary

Alison Macfarlane and Veronica Killen

Carrying the Cause (and the banner!)

Many of you will have read about the plight of health educators in the recent copy of "UC" magazine with local Rep Veronica Killen. Not one for just words, Veronica is in favour of putting words into action!

Veronica is a senior lecturer in midwifery at Northumbria University, UCU assistant branch secretary in her workplace, and secretary of the union's HE northern region committee. She tells us of the success of last weekend's NHS Together demonstration:

"The march and rally was a great success with over 7000 people. The weather was ideal, lots of speeches and great entertainment. There were representations from all the NHS unions from far and wide."

"It was great to see people there from all ages and walks of life – showing just how important the NHS is to everyone, young and old, abled bodied and not. Staff from all areas of the NHS – from the Homeopathic hospital to community services to intensive care units were there. A great atmosphere!"

Veronica was pleased that amongst the UCU delegation was Michael MacNeil, UCU Assistant General Secretary within the HE team, who was there with his family. Michael will take lead responsibility on a number of key areas including post-92 institutions and Veronica is looking forward to working with him to take the issues of health educators forward.

"I am looking forward to working with Michael" Veronica said, wishing him a warm welcome to the union. "We have a lot of issues which need tackling in health education. Nationally there are job losses, course closures, reduced studnet numbers in spite of the growing population and our increasing health need. It is good to know that Michael will fight with us on tackling cuts in student nursing numbers and the issues facing health educators."

The union will continue to support campaigns which support public services and the public sector. The work with NHS Together is part of that fight.

For more photos from the demo:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_pictures/7077152.stm

For more on NHS Together and the march:
http://www.tuc.org.uk/theme/index.cfm?theme=nhstogether
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7076231.stm