A medical director at Epsom Hospital has not signed a pre-written letter sent to her by the Better Services Better Value (BSBV) review team which stated that she supports the changes outlined in its controversial proposals.

Last week, BSBV confirmed that it had sent the letters to the medical and nursing directors at the hospitals involved in the review of acute services across Epsom, St Helier, Croydon, Kingston and St George’s.

A BSBV spokesman said that it had been asked by the Department of Health to provide the letters "to demonstrate that there has been clinical engagement and support for the case for change and the proposed models of care" - which would see Epsom Hospital losing its A&E, maternity and children’s units.

But, the Epsom Guardian was told today that Dr Ruth Charlton, a joint medical director at Epsom and St Helier hospital trust, who leads on the Epsom Hospital site, has not yet signed the letter.
 

It is known that many surgeons, doctors and nursing staff at Epsom Hospital have deep concerns about the proposals.
 

Clinicians at the hospital published an open letter a month ago making clear their objections.

Antony Tiernan, director of communications, said today, in an email which, according to the BSBV's new media protocol, had to be agreed with them first: "We can confirm that Dr Charlton has not yet signed the letter and that it will be discussed at our board meeting on Friday.

"However, it is important to note that the letter supplied by Better Services Better Value is a ‘starter for ten’ which different hospitals can amend to suit the views of their organisation."

It emerged last week that the hospitals and GP commissioning groups involved in the review have been issued a media protocol by BSBV which states that all their public statements about the hugely controversial proposals should be "discussed and agreed in advance" with BSBV.