Wimbledon MP, Stephen Hammond fights for St Helier Hospital

Wimbledon MP, Stephen Hammond along with Merton Conservative Health Spokesperson Suzanne Evans have expressed their determination to keep St Helier A&E units open.  

They met with Health Minister Anna Soubry MP during the week.  

Plans outlined in the NHS-led Better Services, Better Value review threaten to close hospital services.

They also argued how the cost of the review - which local residents neither want nor support - has escalated from an expected £4 million when the project started in 2011, to an estimated £11.5 million now.

"The Minister was very much in listening mode and extremely receptive to our arguments," said Mr Hammond. "We made a strong case for St Helier and she has promised to write to the NHS raising our concerns about the lack of evidence for change."

Councillor Evans says: "It was good to have the opportunity to take local residents' concerns straight to the Minister."

"We told her just how strongly we feel about this, and explain precisely why we can't afford to let an A&E or maternity unit close in South West London without seriously compromising patient care." 

What do you think of the plans?