It's been announced! The high court has 'quashed' the decisions made by the Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt to cut services such as the maternity and A&E departments at Lewisham hospital.
Many believe that this idea was proposed by Hunt in order to save costs with a neighbouring south London trust - which Lewisham aren't even part of. This is the main reason why so many are furious with this proposal, and who could blame them? A lot of people have also said that Lewisham is a well performing hospital and believe that it would be simply unlawful to carry out any further with Hunt's idea (as stated by the High court judge himself).
Under political pressures Hunt was found to be 'acting outside his powers' in the sense that he was essentially making Lewisham pay for the financial crisis it's neighbours were in.
What I find strange is the idea of closing the A&E as it would mean that patients would have to travel to other hospitals, and as we all know A&E departments have been struggling with meeting waiting deadlines and this would just make matters worse. It would jeopardise the health of patients, and after all isn't the patient the priority?
...But anyway, the good news is this idea has been dismissed!
From the help of local organisations such as 'Save Lewisham' awareness has been spread to the public which has led to many of them campaigning against Hunt's idea for the past year. Today marks a significant day for many residents of South London, and after their months of protesting they can be proud that their community-led campaigns have triumphed.
I'd love to here your take on this story. Comment, e-mail, whatever - go for it! :)
Here are some interesting articles on the topic:
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