Plans to close accident and emergency departments at London hospitals are “fundamentally flawed”, according to a damning report.
The proposals to scrap four out of nine emergency units in north-west London also showed a “lack of regard” for the needs of local residents, said former NHS chief Timothy Rideout.
The departments at risk are at Charing Cross, Ealing, Hammersmith and Central Middlesex Hospitals.
Mr Rideout was commissioned by Hammersmith and Fulham council to examine the business case for the downgrade during a consultation period over the plans which ends next month.
Although NHS North West London has argued there will be a £332 million budget shortfall if no changes are made, Mr Rideout’s report said there has been a failure to verify the level of savings needed.
It also highlights:
- A failure to explore genuine alternatives to A&E closures.
- The use of location to decide downgrade options instead of more relevant issues such as current hospital performance.
- Lack of regard for inpatient and A&E admissions who will be dramatically affected by the proposals.
However, Dr Mark Spencer, of NHS North West London, said: “There’s very good evidence that if you centralise some services on to fewer sites you get better outcomes.
"We’ve already shown that in stroke, in heart attack, in major trauma. Where people travel further for better care, they get better outcomes.”
Nick Botterill, the leader of Tory-controlled Hammersmith and Fulham council, said: “We’re not going to let this rest. We’re going to make sure that this whole decision is called in, and that the matter is referred to the Secretary of State.”
Business Secretary Vince Cable, MP for Twickenham and West Middlesex, also warned that a potential downgrade of A&E and maternity units at West Middlesex Hospital would be “very bad news” for residents.
