Navin Shah criticises plans to axe Central Middlesex Hospital’s A&E department
A senior politician has criticised plans to close the casualty unit at Central Middlesex Hospital and vowed to help residents fight against the plans.
Navin Shah, London Assembly member for Brent and Harrow labelled the decision a “travesty” following the announcement last week.
Mr Shah AM, said: “This decision is a travesty. Northwick Park is already over-stretched, as are the other A&Es which are remaining open and the closures of neighbouring A&Es will increase the pressure on these services.”
“With A&E admissions consistently rising by about 3 per cent a year it is ridiculous to start closing major hospitals in places with dense populations such as Brent.”
Thousands of protestors handed in a petition against the plans and may seek a judicial review into the closure.
Mr Shah added: “We will continue to fight to save our hospital and will pursue every available option, including referring this to the Independent Reconfiguration Panel and Judicial Review.”
Charing Cross, Hammersmith, Ealing and Central Middlesex are due to become downgraded to urgent care centres. Serious emergencies will be referred to Northwick Park, Hillingdon, West Middlesex and Chelsea and Westminster.
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