The NHS is proposing to terminate four hospitals in North West London. They currently want to close down the Accident and Emergency departments at Ealing, Central Middlesex, Hammersmith and Charing Cross Hospitals – that is four out of the nine currently in the area. Statistics show that, that would leave approximately 700,000 people without an A and E close to their areas. It is also said that other departments such as the maternity ward and emergency surgery will also close. Meaning hundreds of patients with life-threating illnesses and injuries will be forced to travel further for emergency care.
Around 30,000 signed a petition to show their opposition to the proposal. The signatures were then sent off to the NHS for further consultation. Protesters were also seen outside Ealing council a few days ago. The save our hospital campaigners staged a peaceful protest that day, however they still didn’t cut back on the posters, some saying ‘it’s our NHS not yours’ and even ‘hands off our hospitals’ .
“Many will be very affected by this decision” says Karen a member of the public who feels this is one of the worst decisions she thinks the NHS could make. They say that they will continue to fight any other plans that will go forth.
All political parties on the council are against the proposals.
