Campaigners and unions join up to save Lewisham A&E

The hospital's accident and emergency department faces closure under plans to rein in the massive debts at South London Health Trust, which have spiralled out of control due to PFI contracts.

The Unison union is organising a demonstration against the closure later this month and is calling on Londoners to match the 15,000 number of demonstrators who protested against the closure last November - the largest march in Lewisham for a decade.

Thursday night's Question Time was dominated by the issue with hundreds of protesters demonstrating outside Goldsmiths University where the programme was broadcast.

"We need a tidal wave of support to sweep away these ill-conceived and rushed proposals," said Unison regional officer Michael Walker.

"To make the demonstration a success everyone who went in November should pledge to bring along a friend or work colleagues. Workplaces from across south-east London, should now be organising delegations, banners and placards for the demonstration."