HOSPITAL chiefs fear lives could be lost if the proposed plans to close the stroke unit are given the go-ahead.

Each year, nearly 400 stroke patients are managed at Ealing Hospital, but under the Healthcare for London plans, victims would be treated at a specialist centre in Charing Cross or Northwick Park Hospital, both a 30 minute ambulance journey.

Although the hospital is supporting the overhaul of stroke services to specialist centres in London, concerns are being raised over the rehabilitation of patients in Ealing if the stroke unit closes.

Consultant Neurologist, Jenny Vaughan said: “The Trust has never voted against a HfL proposal but we are very worried about the affects of closing the stroke unit as there is a high level of need in the borough.

“Stroke care should be delivered locally where possible as in 50 per cent of cases, it's not immediately apparent they have suffered a stroke.

“If Ealing Hospital has no stroke unit, patients could end up being transferred to a hospital some distance from home and we are concerned there will not be enough capacity in the system to cope with all the numbers.

“This will have a detrimental affect on the recovery and discharge of our patients.”

Mamman Singh whose 64-year-old wife suffered a stroke last year said it was vital to have a hospital in the community to treat patients.

Mr Singh of Raynor Close, Southall, said: “The stroke unit shouldn’t be moved away from Ealing as the hospital provides the crucial help people need.

“The hospital gave my wife the after care she needed and she is making a good recovery now.”

The hospital's bid to be one of the designated stroke units in North West London was rejected but the public are being urged to support efforts to keep the stroke unit, before the May 8 deadline.

A Healthcare for London Spokeswoman said: “HfL proposals will save 400 lives a year across London.

“Ealing residents will benefit from a better quality of acute stroke care, saving lives and reducing disabilities in the borough.

“Under the proposals, rehabilitation and other services could still be provided at Ealing hospital in the future.”

People are invited to attend a scrutiny meeting at Queen's Hall, Ealing Town Hall on Wednesday April 8 at 6:30pm to ask questions.

To view the proposals, visit scrutiny@ealing.gov.uk

Responses can also be sent to Freepost RSAE-RCET-ATJY, Healthcare for London, Harrow, HA1 2QG or by calling 0808 238 5481.