Campaign to save hospital celebrates victory, 10 years on

Campaigners who saved a hospital celebrated the 10-year anniversary of their victory in the High Court on Saturday.

Lewisham council and the Save Lewisham Hospital Campaign came together for speeches, music and lots of cake for the anniversary.

The council and campaigners also donated a newly-engraved community bench which was unveiled, and a Lewisham council refuse vehicle was decorated.

Dr Louise Irvine, chairwoman of the Save Lewisham Hospital Campaign, unveiled the new community bench with former Lewisham Mayor, Sir Steve Bullock, and there were speeches by councillors, MPs, NHS staff and patients.

Ten years ago, the community united in a huge community campaign to save the hospital.

Patients, NHS staff, Lewisham council, MPs, schools, pensioners, families, businesses, faith groups, charities, unions, students and health campaigners worked together.

There were two huge demonstrations in Lewisham of more than 25,000 people, and posters were put up in thousands of homes and shop windows.

On July 31, 2013, the High Court ruled in favour of the campaign, and quashed the Government’s closure plans.

Since saving Lewisham Hospital more than 33,000 babies have been born there, more than 1.1 million people have used A&E and nearly 5,000 patients were treated for Covid-19.

Dr Irvine added: “Thousands of people in Lewisham united in our vibrant campaign. The amazing victory we had was due to the people of Lewisham and our campaign’s determination, commitment and creativity.”

Pictured top: Campaigners at the celebration on Saturday (Picture: Lewisham council)