We’ll fight on against A&E closures, say campaigners

Campaigners fighting to save emergency facilities at four London hospitals today vowed to continue their crusade despite NHS chiefs’ decision to close and downgrade them.

Plans to replace A&E units at Charing Cross, Central Middlesex, Hammersmith and Ealing hospitals with urgent care centres were rubber-stamped at a joint committee of Primary Care Trusts yesterday.

The four sites will become “local” hospitals manned by GPs and nurses providing outpatient and diagnostic services. Serious emergencies will be sent to Hillingdon, Northwick Park, West Middlesex, Chelsea and Westminster or St Mary’s Hospitals.

NHS North West London says the changes will save money and improve care. Opponents claim pressure will be put on overstretched resources. The proposals will leave three boroughs in north-west London without a major hospital.

Colin Standfield, chairman of Ealing Hospital Save our Services, said affected local authorities should refer the matter to the Health Secretary for a review.