A group of residents have banded together to voice their concerns over proposed changes to close vital services at St Helier Hospital.

Campaigners from the recently formed Save St Helier, made up of residents in Lower Morden, hosted an information stall at the Morden Park Bank Holiday Fair on Monday.

The Better Services Better Value (BSBV) review of healthcare in south west London and north Surrey has recommended A&E, maternity and children’s services to close at both St Helier and Epsom hospitals.

Sally Kenny, chairwoman of the group, said: "I started this because I have been to quite a few meetings held by Siobhain McDonagh and I think the local people need to do something about it and not just leave it to the MP.

"We are trying to get local residents to be active by signing petitions, writing to their GP and making their feelings known through a car sticker or poster in their window."

One campaigner, Georgia Lewis, said: "People are genuinely worried that a large chunk of south-west London will be left with a massive healthcare vacuum.

"There is also much concern about the cost of BSBV, about the ongoing costs of any upgrades that will be required for surviving hospitals if the preferred option goes ahead, and about what will happen to the £219m slated to upgrade St Helier.

"We need a lot more answers and plenty of people do not feel as if they are being listened to by the decision-makers."

BSBV argue that centralising services at three south London hospitals will drive up the quality of care and provision of consultants.

A public meeting will be held on the proposed changes on Thursday, September 5 at 7.30pm at the Morden Baptist Church in Morden.

 

TODAY'S TOP MERTON STORIES