Protesters march over A&E closure

Thursday, 26 November 2009

By Peter Henn

MORE than 100 people took a stand against plans to close an A&E department.

Protesters marched to King George Hospital, in Barley Lane, Goodmayes, as the result of the NHS’s Health for North East London (Health4NEL) proposals to close the unit.

Protest co-organiser Wilson Chowdhry was pleased to see so many people opposing what he claims is a ‘diabolical’ decision.

The businessman said: “People need this [A&E department], and we want to make sure our voices are heard.

“Residents are becoming more aware of [the proposals] and we want the health bosses to realise people do not want what they are suggesting.”

The event’s other organiser, Isla Martin, was also pleased with the turn out.

The 28-year-old, of Shepherds Close, Chadwell Heath, said: “It was really encouraging to see people driving past, tooting their horns and giving us the thumbs up.

“It shows the feeling that’s out there.”

The Health4NEL proposals were unveiled last month, with the current A&E facility to be transferred to Queen’s Hospital, Romford.

A polyclinic will be set up in its place.

Health4NEL confirmed it was aware there was strong local feeling about the matter.

A spokesman said: “What local people think about our plans is very important to us, which is why we will be holding a wide-reaching public consultation.

“We hope local people - and their representatives - will be as keen to participate and give us their views on our plans once the official consultation process is underway.”


CONSULTATION 'IMMINENT'

THE consultation about closing down a hospital’s Accident and Emergency unit is going ahead - but the results will not be heard until after the General Election.

The joint committee of Inner North East London and Outer North East London NHS Trusts made their decision at a meeting on Tuesday.

The consultation is expected to start at the end of November, and will run for 14 weeks.

A decision will be made in June - after the latest possible date for a general election.

The Trusts’ Health for North East London (Health4NEL) programme proposes getting rid of A&E at King George Hospital, in Goodmayes.

The decision will save the NHS £21million.

Helen Brown, acute services review director for NHS London, said the idea was to focus specialists where they were needed.

She explained: “We want to smash the myths that have been circulating.

“There will still be an urgent care unit at King George, which is what 75 per cent of people who go to A&E need.”

Members of the public who went to the meeting said they were concerned about the future.

Andrew Salter, of Rochford Avenue, Chadwell Heath, did not like what he heard.

He said: “It is like they are grinding this service down, which is going to affect people.

“The way they are doing it, it’s for the benefit of people who work for the NHS, rather than for the people who use it.”

Doreen Sims, of Thurlestone Avenue, Ilford, did not think taking A&E from her area would work.

She said: “It’s absolutely disgraceful. People are going to have to make do with not having a proper, full, hospital in their borough.”

Email: redbridge@yellowad.co.uk

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