Campaigners across the region gathered in Queen Square, Bath, on Saturday to protest against the possible takeover of local health care services by Virgin Care. It was announced earlier in the year that Richard Branson’s private company was the preferred bidder to run B&NES’ health care, and if successful, would see it take over services from current provider, Sirona, a non-profit organisation with bases at Paulton Hospital and Bath’s St Martin’s Hospital.

The event was organised by campaigning group, Protect our NHS B&NES and was supported by trade unions, Unite, Unison and GMB, as well as local film director, Ken Loach, whose latest film, I, Daniel Blake, which was recently awarded the Palme d’Or at Cannes Film Festival, has seen the country’s welfare and social care problems return to the forefront of politics.

Former Labour councillor, Peter Jovcic-Sas, who works for a community healthcare trust, also attended the event and is calling on local people to oppose the privatisation of NHS community services in B&NES by exercising their rights under the Data Protection Act, refusing to allow their medical records to be transferred to Virgin Care. He said: “I’m not happy with the idea of my personal details being transferred. I believe that Sirona and Virgin have a joint legal obligation to contact every single individual affected by the new contract, seeking our specific permission to share sensitive and confidential data.

“I’m hoping if enough of us demand of B&NES Council and the CCG a guarantee that all patients will be asked to give their individual consent to the transfer of their personal data, there’s a chance that people power will make Virgin think twice and withdraw. Then we could make sure Sirona’s health services are fit for the future and help B&NES work towards combining health and social care more effectively for everyone.”

The Bath event began with Coordinator of Protect Our NHS B&NES, Pam Richards, addressing the crowd, followed by Governor for the RUH, Dominic Tristam, and then Ken Loach. Another demonstration is planned for Thursday, 10th November at the Guildhall from 5 p.m., coinciding with the Council meeting that will decide who wins the contract.