Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup

Like most other Bexley residents I have been shocked, disturbed and angered by the 'temporary' closure of A&E and maternity services at Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup. Having fought long and hard to secure Coalition Government policy to halt implementation of the 'A Picture of Health' plans pushed through by Labour and to secure a re-assessment of the proposals to cut services at Queen Mary's, I am utterly dismayed at the prospect of seeing this work frustrated.

Whilst I can't be cavalier about safety or providing services which could put lives at risk, I will need some convincing that all necessary action has been taken to avert the current situation.

I have taken a number of steps including urging a deferral in any decision until the independent Care Quality Commission has completed out their own assessment of clinical safety issues; seeking information from the hospital trust under the Freedom of Information Act on the steps they took to recruit and avoid the current crisis; holding a frank meeting with the Chief Executive of the South London Healthcare Trust over the situation; presenting a petition in conjunction with the Bexley Newsshopper at 10 Downing Street and meeting with the Secretary of State for Health to urge him to interevene.

As a local resident, Queen Mary's matters to me and my family. I will continue to fight for the future of the hospital and the healthcare service which I believe this area needs.