GMB condemns government plans to close Intensive Care Units
"This is another disaster waiting to happen," say GMB Union
GMB is calling on the government to put an immediate stop on all plans to close Intensive Care Units and other acute services.
Despite the coronavirus pandemic, the government is proceeding with plans to remove acute services from 2 major acute hospitals in South West London and Surrey.
A public consultation regarding the future of Epsom and St Helier Hospitals ran from 8 January to 1 April 2020. The proposal is to remove acute services including Accident & Emergency, Intensive Care, Coronary Care, Cancer Care, Consultant led Maternity, Paediatrics and Emergency Medicine and Surgery.
In the interim, the country was hit with the coronavirus pandemic, there have been over 65,000 tragic deaths and the vital importance of local Intensive Care and A&E units has come into sharp focus. Most commentators agree that there are likely to be further peaks and the death toll is likely to rise significantly.
Meanwhile, the government is pressing ahead with plans to close Intensive Care Units, A&E and other acute services which will lead to fewer hospital beds, few consultant doctors, further to travel for many patients and more deaths.
GMB Regional Organiser, Helen O’Connor said, ‘The government has gotten everything wrong in its dealings with the pandemic and now it’s pressing ahead with plans to remove acute services from Epsom & St Helier hospitals. This is another disaster waiting to happen.’
A final decision is due to be taken on 3 July 2020 and GMB calls on the government to put an immediate stop on all plans.
Media enquiries Helen O’Connor 07506 711574 or Helen.OConnor@gmb.org.uk
GMB’s response to the consultation can be seen here: www.gmb-southern.org.uk/assets/attachments//Response%20to%20Consultation(1).pdf
