"ATOS shows no respect for medical ethics and have tried to undermine the integrity of the medical profession" Khalil Secker, Greater Manchester Save Our NHS campaign
Tomorrow, Wednesday 19th February, sees a national day of action against ATOS, the French company that is paid by the government to assess people for disability benefits, and which has wrecked the lives of thousands of those who have had benefits stopped as a result of their dodgy assessments.
"Almost 40% of people declared 'fit for work' appeal the decision in court and win" says Adam Highton, Disabled Students' Representative for the University of Manchester "The disabled community is gathering to tell ATOS, the media and the politicians that this has to stop. We must not repeat the tragedy of the case of Linda Wootton, who died whilst recovering from major surgery just nine days after ATOS declared her 'fit for work'."
Tomorrow's local demonstration takes place at the ATOS Assessment Centre, at Albert Bridge House on Bridge Street, on the Salford side of the border with Manchester city centre (near the back of Kendals). Campaigners will charge ATOS with 'crimes against disability', and will display a giant Wanted poster of ATOS chairman, Thierry Breton.
The British Medical Association has condemned ATOS, stating that its Work Capability Assessments should be ended: 'with immediate effect and be replaced with a rigorous and safe system that does not cause unavoidable harm to some of the weakest and most vulnerable in society'.
"ATOS shows no respect for medical ethics and has tried to undermine the integrity of the medical profession" says Khalil Secker, a medical student speaking on behalf of the Greater Manchester Save Our NHS campaign.
"Dr Greg Wood is one of many who quit his job at ATOS after being repeatedly pressured by his manager to declare seriously ill or disabled people 'fit for work' in order to hit company targets" he adds "This is a good example of how the widespread privatisation of health and social care is terrible for patients."
ATOS DEMO
Wednesday 19th February 12noon
Assessment Centre
Albert Bridge House
Bridge Street
Salford M60 9AT
For more details see the Facebook event page - click here
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