17 Mar 2008 : Column 11P

17 Mar 2008 : Column 11P

Petition

Monday 17 March 2008

OBSERVATIONS

Health

Queen Mary's Hospital (Sidcup)

The Petition of residents of the London Borough of Bexley and others, to save our services at Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup,

Declares the Petitioners great concern at the proposal of NHS London to close the Accident & Emergency and Maternity departments at Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup and that they believe these measures to be financially driven by factors at other hospitals in the region rather than the clinical excellence and cost-effectiveness of the services provided at this much valued local hospital.


17 Mar 2008 : Column 12P

The Petitioners further declare that the Maternity department has gained the highest clinical assessment in the region and that neighbouring hospitals refer to Sidcup because of lack of capacity and patient choice.

The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Secretary of State for Health to use his powers to reverse the proposed reduction in much needed and highly valued hospital services in Bexley.

And the Petitioners remain, etc. —[Presented by Derek Conway , Official Report, 26 February 2008; Vol. 472, c. 24P .] [P000135]

Observations from the Secretary of State for Health:

Although the Department of Health provides strategic leadership to the NHS and social care organisations in England, it is for local NHS organisations to plan, develop and improve services for local people. Therefore, any proposals for improvements to services are matters to be decided locally.


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