ELECTION 2015: “Protect the NHS” — candidates told

Prospective MPs were put to the test as part of NHS election protests in Maltby, Dinnington and Rotherham town centre.

The day of action was co-ordinated by independent campaign group 38 Degrees.

Campaigners were out on the streets to talk to hundreds of voters about the importance of protecting the NHS at the general election.

Events were held in Maltby, outside the Co-Op store and at Dinnington Indoor Market.

The campaigners are calling on people in Rother Valley to use their vote to protect the NHS from privatisation and funding freezes.

They are also set to rate their MP candidates’ pledges on the NHS using an online tool.

Judith Reynolds, a 38 Degrees member, said: “The NHS has been there ever since I was born. All members of my family have used at one time or another. It worries me that it may be sold off to large private insurance companies.

“I want it to remain as the service that is there for everyone, irrespective of ability to pay. I do not want an American style system that does not cover the entire population. I think we are so used to the NHS being there that we take it for granted; to lose it would be disastrous.”

David Babbs, executive director of 38 Degrees said: “We want Rother Valley MP candidates to pledge to save the NHS from privatisation and funding freezes.

“Every candidate needs to realise that cutting NHS funding, or handing it over to private companies, is a huge turn off for voters.

“Saturday’s day of action was all about the people of Rother Valley taking back the power, and putting their MP candidates to the test on the NHS.”

The Rother Valley petition to save the NHS is at www.38degrees.org.uk.