Chelsea and Westminster Campaigns to Keep Full A&E
Loss of services could mean "very real threat of closure"
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital has launched a campaigna called Safe In Our Hands and is urging local people to resport to the consultation currently being carried out by NHS North West called Shaping a Healthier Future.
In a Factsheet produced for the people of Hammersmith and Fulham, the NHS reveals that there are three possible options proposed for our area:
Option A (preferred option)
This option has Chelsea and Westminster as a major hospital, Hammersmith Hospital as a specialist hospital and Charing Cross proposed as a local hospital.
Option B
This option has Charing Cross Hospital as a major hospital, Hammersmith Hospital as a specialist hospital and Chelsea and Westminster would be a local hospital.
Option C
This option has Chelsea and Westminster Hospital as one of five major hospitals in North West London, with Hammersmith as a specialist hospital and Charing Cross Hospital proposed as a local hospital.
Although not the preferred choice, Option B would see Chelsea and Westminster reduced to the status of a local hospital. And the hospital says: " If Chelsea and Westminster is downgraded to a ‘local hospital’ without a full A&E, not only patients who rely on A&E would be affected.
" Chelsea and Westminster would also lose its Maternity Unit, life-saving facilities for children, and many other services.
" If these services were lost to patients, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital would be non-viable and face the very real threat of closure."
The hospital is urging local people to make their voices heard by attending a public consultation event and join the Safe In Our Hands campaign.
You can read the factsheet in full here.
The NHS Consultation, Shaping a Healthier Future lasts until October 8 and you can respond to the consultation online or request a full copy of the consultation document by emailing consultation@nw.london.nhs.uk, calling freephone number 0800 881 5209 or writing to FREEPOST SHAPING A HEALTHIER FUTURE CONSULTATION (This must be written in capital letters and on one line. You will not need a stamp.)
A consultation roadshow in Fulham is being held by the NHS on September 19 from 2pm till 8pm at Fulham Broadway Methodist Church, 452 Fulham Road.
