Bexley LINk today issued a release following the announcement by South London Healthcare Trust that they will proposed to their board at their meeting on Wednesday 29th Septmber 2010 to close the A&E and Maternity departments by the end of November 2010 because they are concerned about maintaining patient safety.
Press Release by Bexley Local Involvement Network
Following the announcement by South London Healthcare NHS Trust (SLHT) this morning that they will be proposing the their Board to approve the temporary closure the A&E and the Maternity Departments at Queen Marys Sidcup as a result work evaluating patient safety concerns during the period of winter pressures conducted by SLHT and NHS London.
The Bexley Local Involvement Network (LINk) wishes to express their concern and disappointment at the decision taken by SLHT and NHS London to propose the temporary closure the Accident and Emergency and the Maternity Departments with by the end of November 2010.
Sandra Wakeford Chair of the Bexley LINk stated “we are extremely disappointed at the news issued by SLHT this morning regarding proposing the temporary closure of a local service however we recognise that patient safety is paramount. We are concerned about the care that Bexley Residents will receive and we need reassurance from SLHT that Bexley residents will have access to high quality, safe services at the neighbouring hospitals. We need confirmation that the Princess Royal, Queen Elizabeth and Darent Valley Hospitals will have sufficient capacity to cope with the extra strain that this temporary closure will force on them. We must ensure that patient safety is not compromised. ”
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