Closure of Kingston Hospital units "inconceivable", says chairman (From Surrey Comet)

Closure of Kingston Hospital units "inconceivable", says chairman

The closure of Kingston Hospital's maternity and accident and emergency units would be "inconceivable", according to the chairman of the hospital.

Chairman of Kingston Hospital Christopher Smallwood

Christopher Smallwood, speaking at this morning's public board meeting, said it was premature to speculate but that he could not rule it out.

Both the A&E and maternity units are being analysed for possible closure by a South West London NHS review, Edward Davey, Kingston and Surbiton MP, and Susan Kramer, Richmond Park MP have been told by senior NHS managers.

Healthcare for South West London has said there are no proposals in place to close any services at Kingston, but have declined calls to rule out any closures, saying it could not pre-empt what the 100 clinicians carrying out the review will come up with.

At this morning's board meeting at Kingston Hospital, Mr Smallwood was asked by Tory Councillor David Cunningham to put a vote to board members to say if the proposals did come forward they would actively resist them.

He said: "I am not prepared to do that, as we are trying to conduct a constructive and realistic dialogue in the process going on which is developing these options and it will damage us if we dig our heels in and effectively withdraw from that dialogue.

"If we go in the wrong direction, as you suggest, there will be general outrage and enormous opposition."

And Kate Grimes, chief executive, said: "I don't think there is a lot of uncertainty. As far as this board is concerned we have got a very clear future."

She added: "Local people have fabulous services here and I think they should carry on using them and speaking well of the organisation and I think that is important too during this period."

Speaking outside the meeting, Helen Whately, Tory parliamentary candidate for Kingston and Surbiton, said: "If there's any threat I would fight to protect the hospital and its A&E and maternity units because they are vital services."

What do you think of the possible closure? Use the form below to let us know.