NEW QUESTIONS OVER “FLAWED” DECISION TO CLOSE A&E

Is it the end of the road for Queen Mary's?

New evidence has emerged which calls into question the decision by NHS London to close the A&E at Queen Mary’s Hospital.

In reaching the decision on 14 December the Board of NHS London  had to prove that the plan met four  tests set by the Secretary of State of Health, Andrew Lansley. One of the tests was that the proposal had support of GP commissioners.

Announcing its decision to close Queen Mary’s, NHS London said that it had listened to GPs’ views and there was “broad support” from local doctors.

However, the NHS London Board papers tell a different story. They reveal that:

• a GP practice close to the hospital was “strongly opposed to the scheme”;
• clinicians had expressed concern at the “flawed” consultation; and
• some GPs were “saddened” by the prospect of the A&E closure.

Despite this the Board of NHS London decided that the test had “on balance” been met because other GPs had expressed support.

The only person who can now prevent the A&E closing for good is the Secretary of State himself. Many readers have already urged him to act. Let’s hope he first looks carefully at NHS London’s answers to the tests he set.

Extract from NHS London Board paper of 14 November (click to enlarge)