Council Leader calls on Jeremy Hunt to “urgently review” plans to close King George’s A&E

In a letter addressed to Jeremy Hunt, Councillor Ramsey, stressed he felt strongly that “a strategic review by the NHS of the now six-year-old plans to close King George’s A&E department is absolutely essential.”

Councillor Ramsey added: “A review is now critical to ensure the NHS plans for the future needs of residents in Havering and north east London, and should include reviewing current and future capacity of not only A&E emergency care for residents, but also GP services and other valued NHS amenities – such as walk-in-centres and urgent care centres.”

He explained that the 2010 plans on the proposed closure were based on an understanding of the area’s population and health needs at that time, which has changed considerably across the north east London.  

“Havering is one of the fastest growing and changing areas in London and has regeneration and new housing ambitions that will see more growth over the coming decades. Queen’s A&E alone could simply not cope with the additional demand, meaning residents would have to travel a significant distance for emergency treatment,” added Councillor Ramsey.

“We need to work with all partners and government departments, including the NHS, to ensure we have fit-for-purpose infrastructure, so that residents can access what they need, when they need it. While recognising the financial constraints, we want to support the NHS, to look again at their now out-of-date planning assumptions around the closure of King George’s A&E department.

“Residents in Havering and north east London, deserve nothing less than world class health services, in the right place, at the right time - and that provide quality and clinically safe services.

“In light of the concerns of residents and the detrimental implications the closure of the A&E would have, I will continue to raise this issue with the Secretary of State and the NHS.”