Romford Town Conservatives

ANDREW ROSINDELL MP REPORTS
"Everyone knows that Queen's Hospital is struggling to cope with existing demand on its services. Last Christmas the A&E was closed to all but the most urgent cases, ambulances were queuing round the block and local GPs were called in to help manage the patient load. Just over 61% of patients at Queen's are currently treated within the four hour target, and Inspectors from the Care Quality Commission have found that understaffing in the maternity unit at Queen's is putting mothers and babies at risk.
"In recent months I have been inundated with letters and e-mails from constituents who have experienced an unsatisfactory level of care at Queen's, often due to overcrowding or understaffing. Despite this, and even though the performance of the Barking, Havering and Redbridge NHS Trust has been flagged by the Department of Health as a particular cause for concern, the Trust has recommended the closure of A&E and maternity services at nearby King George Hospital.
"This move at this time will do real harm to local health services. It will place unbearable pressure on Queen's, as well as nearby hospitals such as Whipps Cross in Leytonstone Alternative community based facilities are simply not in place and are not of a good enough quality to act as substitutes to the services at King George.
"The closure of services at King George will have an adverse impact on the already overstretched Queen’s Hospital, as thousands of pregnant women and sick people will have to go to Queen's instead. The hospital already faces significant overcrowding issues, a shortage of visitor parking and other transport problems. Should King George services close, then the Queen’s problems would get worse and health services would deteriorate even more. People will suffer unnecessarily and, I expect in a small number of cases, people will die who need not have.
"Local GPs strongly oppose the move and tens of thousands of people across the whole of North East London have signed a petition against it.
"Ever since the announcement was made, I have opposed the PCT's decision and fought against the proposals. In April I led a march and spoke at a rally against the closures, as well as campaigning regularly in Romford Market. I have also written to the Prime Minister on this matter and helped deliver a petition to Number 10, along with the other North-East London and Essex MPs.
"The Secretary of State for Health has now referred the proposals to the Independent Reconfiguration Panel and will make a final decision in July. I will wait anxiously to hear what decision he makes."