A
Government-appointed ‘special administrator’ has recommended that
Lewisham Hospital closes its Accident and Emergency Department, along
with other significant cuts that could
also see maternity services closed and most of the hospital buildings
sold.
These
proposals are a threat to the health of local residents and, of course, the jobs of many healthworkers. The closure of Lewisham A&E
would leave 750,000 people with just
one A&E department between them – at Queen Elizabeth in Woolwich.
The
recommendations have been made in order to meet the debts of the
separate South London Healthcare Trust who are struggling to repay the
costs of expensive Private Finance
Initiative deals that are costing them £69 million a year. In short,
these are financially-driven cuts and are nothing to do with improving
NHS services.
The
response of Lewisham residents and trade unionists has already been
vigorous. Over 700 people came along to the protest meeting on 8
November. A big demonstration is now planned
for 24 November. Lewisham Trades Council's banner will be there and, we hope, you,
your family and friends will be there too!
The
demonstration leaves from 2pm on Saturday November 24 at the
'grassy knoll' by the roundabout opposite Lewisham bus/train station and
then marches
to Lewisham Hospital for 3pm.
More
information on the campaign, including an on-line petition and details
on to how to respond to the official consultation can be found on this
website:
