Announcement made this evening as part of controversial Shaping a Healthier Future plans

The Accident and Emergency Department (A&E) at Central Middlesex Hospital is to close following a lengthy consultation and in house discussions from NHS bosses today.

The unit in Acton Lane, Park Royal, has been axed as part as the controversial Shaping a Healthier Future (SAHF) plans.

The closure comes despite the unit undergoing a £62m refurbishment only six years ago.

The proposals attracted considerable opposition from Brent’s residents who claim they were never given a chance to fight for their hospital.

Under all four options of the plans, which were announced last summer, the unit faced closure.

The A option which was chosen will result in Northwick Park Hospital in Watford Road, Sudbury, being the only hospital serving the borough with an A&E.

Hillingdon Hospital and St Mary’s in Paddington will also retain a casualty unit.

But casualty units will also be axed at Hammersmith, Ealing and Charing Cross Hospitals.

What do you think of the closure? Email max.walters@archant.co.uk.