Merton Council threatens judicial review over plans to axe St Helier Hospital A&E

Delegates from the seven clinical commissioning groups from across south-west London are set to meet to discuss putting proposals to shut A&E and maternity departments at two hospitals to public consultation, with St Helier and Epsom hospitals the favoured targets as part of the Better Services Better Value (BSBV) review.

Leader of Merton Council, Councillor Stephen Alambritis, who has questioned the timing of the consultation over summer, will challenge the research conducted by BSBV and will launch a judicial review if the proposals are granted.

He said: “It is really awful they are asking residents to do this over the summer holidays when people may not be around.

“The other thing we are going to be doing is looking at all the facts they are showing us, really delve into the facts and figures BSBV are using to downgrade St Helier Hospital.

“We do not think it stacks up. We think it is flawed so we are going to challenge that.

“It really is quite strange they are asking people to go to St George’s or to Kingston when those are packed – their A&E departments are so busy.

“There is a good case, a strong case, for leaving it as it is.

“I am quite prepared to mount a vociferous campaign to safeguard St Helier Hospital and may go as far as to a judicial review.”

Ealing Council launched a review last month into the decision to close Ealing, Central Middlesex, Charing Cross and Hammersmith hospitals’ A&E departments.

Mitcham and Morden MP Siobhain McDonagh has backed the council’s plan, giving it her full support.

She said: “We are very grateful to the council and its commitment to the hospital.

“In this fight with the health service, it is a bit of a David and Goliath struggle. By the time it is over the health service will have spent £11.5m on the consultation.”

CCG delegates are expected to vote on whether to send BSBV proposals to public consultation within the month.