Lewisham Hospital
Pic: Clare Finney

Demonstrators will protest the closure of Lewisham A&E and maternity units today by joining hands around the hospital.

The demonstration, organised by the Save Lewisham Hospital campaign, will start at Loampit Vale roundabout at 2pm. It will arrive at Lewisham hospital at 3pm where the marchers say they will “hold hands around our hospital”.

Community activists in Lewisham have opposed the closures for months. The demonstration tomorrow is their latest message to Matthew Kershaw, special administrator, who proposed the closure to save money for the South London Healthcare Trust.

The Office of the Trust Special Administrator recommends closing the units to reduce the South London Healthcare NHS Trust’s debt. The Trust overspent by £65 million in 2012.

The Save Lewisham Hospital Campaign website says that the “A&E and maternity departments may close to pay massive debts at neighbouring hospitals”.

Save Lewisham Hospital campaign poster. Pic: savelewishamhospital.com

Speaking at a previous meeting, covered on Eastlondonlines, Lewisham’s Mayor Sir Steve Bullock described the closure as a “sacrifice” for the South London Healthcare Trust.

Heidi Alexander, Labour MP for Lewisham East, supports the local residents opposing the proposal and has gathered 16,833 signatures to a petition objecting to the plans.

There is lots of support for the hospital on Twitter in anticipation of tomorrow’s demonstration. @Qprmick described the Hospital as “the heart of Lewisham”.

@juliasilk7 tweeted: “The closure is breaking my heart. Everyone who can, please join hands around our hospital this Saturday at 3pm at @SaveLewishamAE”.

If the closures do go ahead, the maternity unit and A&E will close by February 2013.

Eastlondonlines has mapped the route below and will be live blogging the event tomorrow.

Follow @eastlondonlines for updates

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