NHS workers from Dorset joined thousands of people on a London march to stop the health and social care bill.

They took part in a demonstration organised by the union Unite on Wednesday that finished with a rally at Westminster.

Shelley Wilson, 37, from Canford Heath, works with adults with learning disabilities and has seen her post transferred to a private company.

She told the Echo: “There were 20 of us that went up in a coach.

“It was quite good but I was shocked that not every member of the public was there supporting the NHS, but I think that’s apathy.

“I’ve seen first-hand the difference between private and public sector.

“We are very fortunate – I heard from people in America and how they are treated as patients there, it’s scary.”

The marchers joined around St Thomas’ Hospital, lobbied MPs at Westminster and held an evening rally at the Methodist Central Hall, which is opposite the houses of parliament.

Unite has said the public has until March 20 to stop the controversial health reforms put forward by health secretary Andrew Lansley, pictured left.

The government said the bill will modernise the NHS so that it is based around patients and led by health professionals.

Tom Maestri, 35, from Pokesdown, who is an NHS mental health support worker, told the Echo: “It horrifies me that we are going to have privatised health services.

“Private companies will take the profitable parts of the NHS, and parts like A&E which are not profitable, will end up having a reduced service.

“The atmosphere at the march was very good, lively, with chants of ‘Lansley Out’.”

The local demonstrators met Bournemouth West MP Conor Burns but said they were told Bournemouth East MP Tobias Ellwood was busy in a debate that could finish at 1am.

Conor Burns has said the bill should be passed quickly so that the reforms can be completed to bring stability.