A leading neurologist today warned that A&E closures in the capital could “degrade” hospitals and reduce access to emergency care.
Professor Simon Shorvon criticised proposals to replace A&E units at Charing Cross, Central Middlesex, Hammersmith and Ealing hospitals with urgent care centres. Serious emergencies would be sent to other hospitals.
Professor Shorvon, who is clinical sub-dean of the Institute of Neurology at UCL, said: “London A&Es are finding it difficult to cope already. Not only would it take patients more time to get there under these plans, which is crucial in emergency care, but it’s difficult to see how they’ll cope.” He added: “When you close an A&E the hospital suffers. Their facilities, procedures and systems become degraded.”
The Department of Health said any changes to hospital services “should be based on sound clinical advice”.
