Local MP Speaks Out on Proposed A&E Closures
"Charing Cross Hospital would effectively be closed"
Hammersmith MP Andy Slaughter has issued a statement on the proposed closure of A&E services at Charing Cross and Hammersmith Hospitals ahead of a public meeting to be held at Rivercourt Methodist Church on Thursday July 28 from 6pm - 7.30pm.
He says: " On Monday a meeting of North West London health services decided to press ahead with the closure plans that will see Charing Cross effectively closed as a hospital and A&E units closed at Ealing and Central Middlesex in addition to the closure of A&E units in the North and South of our borough.
" Before the meeting I met fellow MPs and councillors and supporters opposed to the cuts to stage a demonstration. At the meeting itself we raised our concerns and learned or confirmed the following facts:
" They discussed three options – their preferred option and two alternatives. All three would see Hammersmith close and two of them, including their preferred option, would see Charing Cross close as well.
" Charing Cross hospital would be effectively closed. The site will be cleared and only a walk-in clinic will remain. 500 beds will either close or move elsewhere, and specialist units like the stroke centre will go elsewhere.
" It was confirmed that this is being done to save money – in fact they said that without the closures they 'could literally run out of money'. A 4% pa cut is needed just to stand still.
" It is also about reorganisation. Lansley’s commissioning Groups have promoted this reform but outgoing Primary Care Trusts are taking the decision – so there will be no accountability.
" No proper analysis has taken place – they admitted comparative performance figures were not available for hospitals when they decided which to close.
" Hardly any consultation pre-decision – the 18 volume 'Business Case' documents that I was given at the meeting were the first formal notice I have received as MP for two of the affected hospitals.
" I hope that during this meeting that everyone affected can – whatever their background or political persuasion – agree on how to fight these closures, for the good of everyone living in Hammersmith and relying on our currently excellent medical services.
" Please email me at SaveHFNHS@andyslaughter.com.
I would be grateful if you could spread the word about the meeting – use twitter hashtag #SaveHFNHS."
Hammersmith and Fulham Council are also encouraging residents to make their views heard, and have produced two campaign pages with their own petititon at Save Charing Cross and Save Hammersmith.
June 27, 2012
