It is hoped a large turnout of NHS supporters will show the strength of public opposition to spending cuts across the health service and to the selling of lucrative parts of the NHS to private companies.

The protest has been organised by the North West TUC, with the backing and support of unions and NHS campaign groups.

The event will also register people’s concerns about the grave effects that the government’s economic policies are having across UK communities.

The assembly point for the march is on Liverpool Road at the junction with Deansgate. People are being asked to assemble from 11am.

The closest station to the assembly point is Deansgate. It will also be signposted from Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Oxford stations. 

The march, led by health workers in uniform, will then proceed at 12.30pm towards Whitworth Park, where there will be speakers and entertainment.

There will also be two meeting points for a shorter route along the march and a static demonstration. 

• Barbirolli Square (outside Bridgewater Hall): This is the site of the static demonstration and for those who want to join the march past the Tory conference venue and continue to Whitworth Park

• All Saints Park (off Oxford Road): This will be policed and stewarded to allow those with mobility requirements to join the march for safe and easy passage to the Whitworth Park.

Find out more about the ‘Save our NHS’ march and rally at NHS299.org, join the Facebook page and follow @NHS299 on Twitter.

Unions and campaigning groups all over the country are organising coaches to the march and rally. See this webpage for more information about coach arrangements.