Call for investigation into west London A&E closures

The MPs’ letter comes after an inquiry by Michael Mansfield QC described the shake-up of care, known as Shaping a Healthier Future, as “deeply flawed” and likely to cost £1.3 billion.

It was meant to save £1 billion by treating more people out of hospital.

The emergency departments at Central Middlesex and Hammersmith hospitals closed in 2014 and fears remain about the future of the A&E at Charing Cross, despite it having seen a 13.5 per cent rise in attendances.

Harrow West Labour MP Gareth Thomas, who organised the letter, said: “The Government hasn’t been able to tell us whether the programme has delivered the savings planned, but we do know £235 million has been spent on management consultants and a further £1 billion of investment is required.

“Given the disruption these closures caused for residents in north-west London, and with more closures planned, it is essential that the full business case is published and that residents can consider whether the Shaping a Healthier Future programme represents value for money.”

A Shaping a Healthier Future spokeswoman said its draft business case “demonstrated the value for money of the proposals” and was endorsed by an independent panel of experts before being accepted by Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt in 2013.

She added: “The business case requesting capital funding will be subject to scrutiny by NHS England, the Department of Health and the Treasury, which will each ensure the programme is value for money.”