Thousands join in NHS protest rally

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Organisers estimated 7,000 nurses, midwives, doctors, physiotherapists, hospital cleaners and technicians had joined the march to Trafalgar Square.

The "I Love The NHS" march was culminating in a rally with speakers and entertainment.

Workers from across the NHS voiced their concerns over low staff morale, private sector involvement and greater workloads.

Hamish Meldrum, 59, chairman of the BMA's council, and a GP from Bridlington, Yorkshire, said: "As GPs, we're saying, stop blaming us for the NHS's problems. Stop going on about us as overpaid and not working hard enough.

"It's actually the GPs who have the potential to help save the NHS."

Tim Cracker-Buque, a medical student at Nottingham University, said Government investment in training new doctors was being squandered through lack of jobs.

The 22-year-old from Brighton, who hopes to be a surgeon, said: "It costs £250,000 to train each medical student, yet we are only guaranteed jobs for one year.

"We need to make sure public money is being spent on continuing our training."

After meeting at Temple Place on the Thames Embankment, the march progressed through Westminster to Trafalgar Square. Carnival-style stilt walkers and musicians marched alongside health workers.