Brent Central MP is being urged to speak out about plans to axe Central Middlesex Hsopital’s A&E department

Campaigners and rival politicians have presented MP Sarah Teather with a 2,000 strong petition calling on her to oppose the proposed closure of an Accident and Emergency (A&E) ward in Harlesden.

NHS campaigners, including members of Brent Fightback, the borough’s anti cuts group, were joined by Navin Shah AM, London Assembly Member for Brent and Harrow to present the petition to the Liberal Democrat MP for Brent Central.

Campaigners have been actively fighting the plans which will see Central Middlesex Hospital (CMH) in Acton Lane, Harlesden, lose its A&E department as part of a healthcare reform plan spanning eight London boroughs.

The plans, called Shaping a Healthier Future, have been widely condemned by campaigners and residents who claim a casualty unit is vital to an area with multiple health needs.

In response, Miss Teather expressed concern about the run down of services at CMH over the last five years which had undermined the viability of the A&E department.

She stressed the need for a high-end Urgent Care Centre (UCC) if A&E were closed and the need for clear guidance on the UCC services that would be provided.