The Conservative MP for Southend West says he will fight for the future of the town’s hospital accident and emergency department.
NHS bosses want to turn Basildon into an emergency “super-hub”, but are rejecting claims that it will mean downgrades at Southend and Broomfield in Chelmsford.
David Amess MP put forward an adjournment debate in the House of Commons yesterday, so the issue could eventually be discussed in Parliament.
“This hospital is in the heart of the constituency I represent and just like several years ago similar moves were made at Basildon Hospital I stopped those,” he told the House of Commons.
“I am not going to stand by to allow any changes that diminish the capability of Southend Hospital to provide the very best possible health care to the residents of the borough.”
The Department of Health said an assurance had been given that Southend’s accident and emergency department would continue to provide “substantial services” 24-hours-a-day, but it was proposed to transfer specialist cases to Basildon.
Health minister Steve Brine said he understood the MP’s concerns, but there would still be a significant role for Southend A&E.
Article from BBC news, 7 July 2017