Kingston Hospital’s Accident and Emergency and Maternity Unit are under threat – as Susan Kramer MP explained last week.
I want to repeat her warning, as some are questioning whether our claims are true.
So who are our sources? Four NHS Chief Executives and one senior clinician.
In meetings Susan and I had before Christmas, we first learnt and then had it confirmed and re-confirmed that a review of healthcare in South West London is seriously considering an option to close Kingston Hospital’s A&E and Maternity.
We were told these plans were to be published, initially on 18th December, and then on 25th January. Then suddenly nothing was to be published till after the General Election.
So we decided to blow the whistle on these secret plans. Since then, the NHS has said that no decision has been made to close these services – fine, but that does not deny our claim – that NHS bosses are studying options for closure.
It was not an easy decision to launch this campaign – we know how upsetting this threat to Kingston Hospital will be for patients and staff.
Some suggest it was therefore “irresponsible”. Yet, given what we were told, the irresponsible action would have been to keep quiet. To have colluded in keeping the public in the dark.
Before an election the public can force all parties to make their position clear. Afterwards, it’s too late.
Since the NHS seems determined to muddy the waters, Susan and I are making various Freedom of Information requests, and calling on the NHS to publish the South West London Strategic Plan – in full.
To find the latest and sign our petition, visit the campaign website – www.savekingstonhospital.org.uk
