| Hunt decides against Lewisham Hospital and Lewisham people Quote from Louise Irvine, Chair Save Lewisham Campaign. ‘Time to build on what we have and mount the biggest-ever defence of a local hospital.’ Hunt’s decision has gone against us – he proposes a reduced A and E unit, and the removal of Lewisham’s clinically excellent maternity and children’s services under the guise of providiing ‘better health services’. We are asking all supporters who are able to gather at the hospital from 5.30 onwards. We marched in unprecedented numbers on Saturday to make our voices heard. Yesterday at the Department of Health we handed in a giant petition signed by 1000s on the march as well as the petition signed by over 50,000 people online and on the streets of Lewisham. The legal fight will begin, with the Council, and the campaign will take this forward in many other ways. Statement from Lewisham NHS Healthcare Trust “We are disappointed today to hear that Jeremy Hunt, Secretary of State, has accepted the proposal to downgrade A&E and maternity services at Lewisham Hospital. He has proposed Lewisham retains a smaller, limited 24/7 emergency department, and a stand-alone midwife-led birth centre. Clearly, we need more information on Jeremy Hunt’s proposals before commenting in detail. The Trust Board response to the consultation was clear that we believe Lewisham needs full emergency and obstetric services. “I would like to thank patients, local people, staff, GPs, MPs and partners for the support we have received.” Hospital decision rides roughshod over community says Mayor Published on 31 January 2013 Mayor of Lewisham Sir Steve Bullock has reacted to the announcement of the Secretary of State on Lewisham Hospital and the South London Healthcare Trust. “The Secretary of State is riding roughshod over the people of Lewisham,” Sir Steve said. “These plans have been roundly rejected by local people, by the staff who work in the hospital and by local GPs. The Secretary of State has pressed ahead regardless by downgrading maternity services and emergency services at Lewisham Hospital. But let me be clear, this is not the end of the matter. “I do not believe that the TSA had the statutory power to make recommendations about Lewisham Hospital and the Secretary of State therefore has no power to implement them. “I will be talking to our lawyers and we will also of course need to talk to our colleagues at Lewisham Hospital in order to fully understand the implications of Mr Hunt’s statement.” Save Lewisham Hospital Campaign See here for news and pictures of petition hand-in yesterday. http://www.savelewishamhospital.com/handing-in-petitions-30-january-2013/ See here for how to buy the Save Lewisham Hospital single on itunes to raise funds for the campaign - from the Lewisham rapper Question and the Lewisham NHS Choir. It’s a great rap with a good beat – we’re going need funds if we have to take on this government in the courts. http://www.savelewishamhospital.com/save-lewisham-hospital-rap/ Announcement of the Secretary of State: http://www.dh.gov.uk/health/files/2013/01/Notice-by-SofS-31-January-2013.pdf |