The next 12 months promises to be a crucial period for all community hospitals in Wiltshire.

During this time the West Wilts and North Kennet PCTs will review all services in the area with the intention of significantly cutting the number of beds currently being provided.

It is probable that the PCTs will continue with their plan of further reducing the provision of both maternity and casualty services.

Although this review will be in principle financially driven, nevertheless it does correspond with a national government policy that seeks to simultaneously limit NHS hospital provision while encouraging the expansion of the private sector.

This agenda will eventually end free, publicly planned NHS health care and replace it with an American-style system where markets and profits determine care.

Such an outcome, if allowed, would be a disaster for people in this country.

So in order to defend our services UNISON, the public sector union, is seeking to coordinate opposition across all local hospitals, beginning with a march in Warminster on Saturday.

However, if we are to succeed we need the active support of the local community, for without this mass support the comprehensive NHS care local people have enjoyed up until now will no longer be theirs.

Roger Davey

UNISON

Senior steward

Swindon & Wilts Branch

Warminster Hospital.