HEALTH bosses are still yet to confirm when a crucial report on radically altering health services in the borough will be published, as hundreds of patients and protesters take to the street to re-state their opposition to the plans.

On Saturday (April 17), residents from across Redbridge and the surrounding area descended on Ilford to march against proposals to shut the borough's only A&E service at King George Hospital in Barley Lane.

The protesters then made their way to the Town Hall for a rally and speeches from local activists and faith leaders.

Meanwhile, a spokeswoman for Health for North East London – the trust behind the plans – said the information gathered during the recent 16-week public consultation is now with polling organisation Ipsos MORI.

The public feedback will then be used as the basis of a report to be used in the decision-making process – but as yet there is no date by which this is expected, and residents should not expect the final decision on the future of Redbridge's hospitals to be made before the end of the summer.

Campaigner Wilson Chowdhry, who organised the march, said: “We're going to continue campaigning until we see a fully positive decision on the future of health services in the borough.

"This is the last of the scheduled protests, however our campaign will continue. I have already submitted a 3,000-name petition to 10 Downing Street, this has been acknowledged and it has been confirmed that it will be used as evidence for the independent review.

“In addition to this I have an ongoing on-line petition which I shall be submitting some time before the decision by the independent review to ensure that whatever government is in power recognises our local community apprehension and the need to retain all the existing hospital facilities at King George Hospital.

“While the plans at the moment just propose the closure of A&E and maternity services, we're worried that this could lead to other services being cut back and the eventual degradation of hospital services in the borough.”