Save Lewisham Hospital A MASSIVE thank you to everyone who braved the awful weather to come along to the Born in Lewisham event on Saturday. See lots of photos and videos from the (rainy) day here >> http://bit.ly/borninlewisham
You can still SUBMIT YOUR PHOTO to the Born in Lewisham Hospital Hall of Fame now >> http://bit.ly/WiRht5
It's been a while since I've contacted you about the campaign to save Lewisham Hospital's full A&E and full maternity service but I thought it was now time to give you a keep quick update. There are also a few things you might be able to do to help.
As many of you will know, at the end of January despite huge public opposition, the Government decided to proceed with the closure of the full A&E and full maternity department at Lewisham Hospital.
They claim they will retain a "smaller A&E" at Lewisham and a mid-wife led birthing unit. Be under no illusions - these changes will lead to a decimation of services at Lewisham.
Whilst the plans will take about 3 years to implement (and all services at Lewisham are set to remain until investment has taken place at other hospitals in order to deal with patients displaced from Lewisham), it is clear that ultimately, all "blue light" ambulances will be sent to other hospitals and up to 9 in 10 babies will have to be born elsewhere.
The sale of two thirds of the land and buildings at Lewisham Hospital is also set to proceed.
In Parliament, the three Lewisham MPs have been united in opposition to these plans, whilst Lewisham Council (under the leadership of Mayor Sir Steve Bullock) have launched a legal challenge.
The council are seeking a judicial review of the Government's decision in the High Court on the grounds that the Secretary of State didn't have the power in law to take a decision about services at Lewisham Hospital, based upon the Trust Administration process that had taken place. They have yet to be given a court date but you can read more on their website.
The council has also launched a challenge fund to assist with covering the costs of the legal action. If you are able to make a donation (no matter how small), please click on the link below:
All the money raised will be used to pay for the court case. In the event that the court awards costs in the Council's favour, or if for any other reason your donation is not needed for the legal action, then the Council will donate your money to local charity, Children First Lewisham.
I have also been asked by the Save Lewisham Hospital Campaign to alert you to an event at Parliament, next Tuesday 26 March. I have pasted an email below from the Chair of the Campaign. I will be speaking at the lobby, so if you do come along, please come and say hello.
Thank you for your continued support.
Kind regards
Heidi
Heidi Alexander MP Member of Parliament for Lewisham East
Today, Tuesday 26th March, London Mayor Boris Johnson is meeting the Save Lewisham Hospital campaign.
This was something the Mayor promised to do at the People's Question Time earlier this month.
Representatives from the Save Lewisham Hospital campaign, including clinicians, the Chair of Lewisham CCG, patients and the Mayor of Lewisham have prepared for a constructive meeting this afternoon with Mayor Boris Johnson and Sir Edward Lister.
Save Lewisham Hospital Your invitation to Lewisham People’s Commission of Inquiry into government plans to downgrade Lewisham Hospital | Saturday 29th June ►https://www.facebook.com/events/123365211196675/
Come and hear THE FACTS and HARD EVIDENCE that the government refused to listen to before deciding to go ahead with closures to Lewisham Hospital.
The closures haven't happened - it's BUSINESS AS USUAL - but we wanted to hold this event to present all the EVIDENCE, which was made available but ignored when the recommendations and ultimate decisions were made.
SaveLewishamA&E @SaveLewishamAE Next Sat 29 Lewisham's week of Justice begins. Peoples Commission Michael Mansfield QC the lies exposed BOOK NOW http://bit.ly/17O81uL
SaveLewishamA&E @SaveLewishamAE UPDATE! meeting at High Court tomorrow #Justice4Lewisham announcement, meet from 10:30AM - NOT 9:30AM. PLS RT! 5pm at hospital win or lose
Comments
TWAT.
A MASSIVE thank you to everyone who braved the awful weather to come along to the Born in Lewisham event on Saturday. See lots of photos and videos from the (rainy) day here >> http://bit.ly/borninlewisham
You can still SUBMIT YOUR PHOTO to the Born in Lewisham Hospital Hall of Fame now >> http://bit.ly/WiRht5
See the Express piece here >> http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/360344/Keep-A-E-in-Lewisham-that-saved-my-girl
ALEXANDER, Heidi
Dear Sir/Madam
It's been a while since I've contacted you about the campaign to save Lewisham Hospital's full A&E and full maternity service but I thought it was now time to give you a keep quick update. There are also a few things you might be able to do to help.
As many of you will know, at the end of January despite huge public opposition, the Government decided to proceed with the closure of the full A&E and full maternity department at Lewisham Hospital.
They claim they will retain a "smaller A&E" at Lewisham and a mid-wife led birthing unit. Be under no illusions - these changes will lead to a decimation of services at Lewisham.
Whilst the plans will take about 3 years to implement (and all services at Lewisham are set to remain until investment has taken place at other hospitals in order to deal with patients displaced from Lewisham), it is clear that ultimately, all "blue light" ambulances will be sent to other hospitals and up to 9 in 10 babies will have to be born elsewhere.
The sale of two thirds of the land and buildings at Lewisham Hospital is also set to proceed.
In Parliament, the three Lewisham MPs have been united in opposition to these plans, whilst Lewisham Council (under the leadership of Mayor Sir Steve Bullock) have launched a legal challenge.
The council are seeking a judicial review of the Government's decision in the High Court on the grounds that the Secretary of State didn't have the power in law to take a decision about services at Lewisham Hospital, based upon the Trust Administration process that had taken place. They have yet to be given a court date but you can read more on their website.
The council has also launched a challenge fund to assist with covering the costs of the legal action. If you are able to make a donation (no matter how small), please click on the link below:
https://www.lewisham.gov.uk/myservices/socialcare/health/Pages/Save-Lewisham-Hospital-Legal-Challenge-Fund.aspx
All the money raised will be used to pay for the court case. In the event that the court awards costs in the Council's favour, or if for any other reason your donation is not needed for the legal action, then the Council will donate your money to local charity, Children First Lewisham.
I have also been asked by the Save Lewisham Hospital Campaign to alert you to an event at Parliament, next Tuesday 26 March. I have pasted an email below from the Chair of the Campaign. I will be speaking at the lobby, so if you do come along, please come and say hello.
Thank you for your continued support.
Kind regards
Heidi
Heidi Alexander MP
Member of Parliament for Lewisham East
www.heidialexander.org.uk
twitter: @heidi_mp
This was something the Mayor promised to do at the People's Question Time earlier this month.
Representatives from the Save Lewisham Hospital campaign, including clinicians, the Chair of Lewisham CCG, patients and the Mayor of Lewisham have prepared for a constructive meeting this afternoon with Mayor Boris Johnson and Sir Edward Lister.
Your invitation to Lewisham People’s Commission of Inquiry into government plans to downgrade Lewisham Hospital | Saturday 29th June ►https://www.facebook.com/events/123365211196675/
Come and hear THE FACTS and HARD EVIDENCE that the government refused to listen to before deciding to go ahead with closures to Lewisham Hospital.
The closures haven't happened - it's BUSINESS AS USUAL - but we wanted to hold this event to present all the EVIDENCE, which was made available but ignored when the recommendations and ultimate decisions were made.
She was told that a 6 month contract was all that could be offered as they are still unsure if the department will stay open.
Next Sat 29 Lewisham's week of Justice begins. Peoples Commission Michael Mansfield QC the lies exposed BOOK NOW http://bit.ly/17O81uL
Sorry.
Judicial Review for Lewisham Hospital starts today. 9.30am, High Court, Strand. Good luck! #justice4Lewisham @SaveLewishamAE
UPDATE! meeting at High Court tomorrow #Justice4Lewisham announcement, meet from 10:30AM - NOT 9:30AM. PLS RT! 5pm at hospital win or lose