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Prime Minister Told Local Hospital Closures Would Be 'Reckless' |
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Ealing MP meets David Cameron and outlines local case
The Prime Minister has been told the prospect of losing four A&Es - Ealing, Central Middlesex, Hammersmith and Charing Cross – would have a devastating effect in Ealing and the proposals must be thought through again. Angie Bray, Conservative MP for Ealing Central and Acton, met David Cameron to discuss NHS North West London proposals for fewer but more specialist centres in the area. Ms Bray explained that all political parties have come together locally to oppose these 'draconian' plans and that NHS North West London, has admitted that Ealing residents make up by far the greatest responses to their consultation on this issue - demonstrating the level of worry felt across the Borough. She also pointed out that to lose so many Accidents and Emergency departments in one concentrated area is not only disproportionate, but probably makes Ealing and Acton the worst affected area in the entire country. Angie said after the meeting:''I left the Prime Minister in no doubt that this issue is of the utmost importance to my constituents, and that we all believe this must be reviewed. '' None of us can believe that this is anything other than reckless and we wonder how those A&Es left standing will be able to cope with all the extra pressure that will come from this closure programme. ''I also pointed out in detail that the extra travel time to A&Es further afield would be unacceptable. The Prime Minister listened carefully, asked a number of detailed questions, and said he will certainly be discussing this with health ministers.'' Ms Bray's meeting follows campaigners from Save Our Hospitals who collected 80,000 signatures on petitions opposed to the proposals, which were submitted to 10 Downing Street last week. More than 10,000 people have joined public demonstrations and have already marched through the streets of Ealing and Hammersmith to oppose the plans.
4th December 2012
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