A meeting about defending NHS services is being organised by the Carlisle branch of socialist group rs21.

People from all backgrounds are invited to the open meeting to discuss how struggles to defend local NHS services can be moved forwards towards a socialist vision in which good health is central.

This issue will be discussed in the context of planned cuts to the NHS in Cumbria, where the Success Regime is trying to push through plans to downgrade services and close beds.

The event, entitled How do we build a socialist NHS?, will provide a forum for local people to share ideas about how to defend and democratise local health services.

It is hosted by the Carlisle branch of rs21, a group of revolutionary socialists which describes its goals as fighting for a fairer and more ecologically sustainable society.

The discussion will be led by retired paediatrician Mike Downham, who has previously opposed plans to downgrade the paediatric services at Whitehaven's West Cumberland Hospital.

Areas covered will include how to give staff and communities a greater say than ministers and NHS managers; how to tackle the power of pharmaceuticals and private sector contractors and who is profiting from the NHS.

The meeting is free to attend and will run from 7pm until 9pm on Friday, February 24 February at the Old Town Hall in Carlisle.

Dr Mike Downham, a member of Carlisle rs21, said: "The NHS is facing the biggest crisis in its history. In west Cumbria in particular the situation is terrible, for both patients and NHS workers.

"We need to say 'enough’, stop the proposed cuts, and start to think for ourselves about how the NHS can be radically changed.

“If we don’t fight, services will be cut and cut again. And that means stretched resources, exhausted health workers and poor care for Cumbrian families. Only mass action can save our NHS now. We are all patients, and between us we have huge strength to fight together."

“We have to keep what is happening to the NHS on the agenda. We have seen the Government blame older people, migrants and NHS workers. This scapegoating only seeks to mask their strategy of underfunding and hollowing out the NHS to pave the way for the private sector.

“If they can afford tax breaks for corporations, they can afford a better health service. This meeting is open to all and we would love as many people as possible to come along to share ideas and discuss ways

forward."