There is a glint of good news for campaigners who have won an extension to the consultation on the proposed closure of the final two operational wards at Wanstead Hospital. But I can’t help thinking this is a token acknowledgement of the strength of feeling on this issue, and the closure of the wards is inevitable. Money rules, and so financially the proposal to close makes sense. In terms of patient care, however, the closure of local wards will mean patients having to travel to King George Hospital. On paper it’s not a million miles away. But the reality is, on London’s congested roads, it’s a 40 minute bus ride away, or 20 odd minutes by car. Local services are once again being diminished.
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