We're staying put, say Stafford Hospital protesters
Campaigners who set up camp at Stafford Hospital more than a week ago say they intend to stay until services are saved.
Dozens of tents have been pitched on the grounds inside the Weston Road site in protest at cuts to services after two legal bids to stop a planned downgrade failed.
More than 50 people are currently still camping at the site and scores more have visited protestors over the last week to show their support, including many who have brought donations of food and camping equipment.
It comes as 60 beds are being axed due to low staffing levels and bosses at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire and the Royal Wolverhampton Trust are set to take control of Stafford and Cannock Hospitals later this year. Walsall Manor Hospital has also seen an increase in patient numbers from Staffordshire.
Major services such as maternity, accident and emergency, and paediatrics are set to be removed or downgraded at the troubled hospital.
Support Stafford Hospital campaigner Lol Barnes was one of the first to set up camp on July 18.
The 63-year-old grandmother, of Oulton, Stone, said: "I will stay as long as it takes, even if it is next year.
"We need them to see that there is support for the hospital.
"People who cannot be here have been bringing us donations of food and equipment to show their support.
"For people living in Stafford, this hospital is imperative. We need to keep all the services at this hospital.
"Woman giving birth want to be near their families. Their families don't want to be travelling miles to see them.
See also: Campaigners could camp outside Stafford Hospital for two more weeks
"If there is an accident on the M6, the A34 is jam-packed. With people trying to travel to hospital in Stoke, just those small delays can mean the difference between life and death.
"We hope this will make a difference and show how passionately we feel.
"We have made a community here. As far as i'm concerned i'm staying here until we get some positive news this hospital will stay open and will be able to retain our services."
The protests comes after it emerged that two applications to launch legal bids against the downgrading of the hospital have been rejected.
