UNISON  Mater Hospital Branch recently staged a protest to save services at the Hospital in north Belfast. The event, aimed at raising awareness of and challenging impending cuts, was well attended by Local MLA's and members of the public from the Shankill Road, Antrim Road and surrounding communities.

Eoin Stewart, UNISON steward at the mater, said:

"What those who are making these decisions either do not understand or care about is that these cuts will cost lives and livelihoods alike.

"The Mater Hospital provides a first class service which is undergoing attack after attack and the latest round of cuts will put staff and patients under more pressure.

"Job losses in the Mater will inevitably impact on the already strained local economy in north Belfast and will ultimately worsen the living conditions of many in the area. We in UNISON intend fighting these cuts every step of the way and are calling on the support of the wider public as we move forward"