30.10.13
Lewisham cuts ‘unlawful’ – Hunt loses appeal case
The Court of Appeal has upheld a High Court ruling that the health secretary acted outside of his powers when he cut services at Lewisham Hospital earlier this year.
The cuts to maternity and emergency services had been recommended by a Trust Special Administrator (TSA) to the neighbouring South London Healthcare Trust.
Campaign group Save Lewisham Hospital and the London Borough of Lewisham brought the challenge against the government.
Rosa Curling, who represented the campaign group, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the Court of Appeal's decision. This expensive waste of time for the government should serve as a wake-up call that they cannot ride roughshod over the needs of the people.
“The decision to dismiss the appeal also reaffirms the need for judicial review, a legal process by which the unlawful decisions of public bodies, including the government, can be challenged by the public.”
Hunt said: “I completely understand why the residents of Lewisham did not want any change in their A & E services, but my job as health secretary is to protect patients across south London – and doctors said these proposals would save lives. We are now looking at the law to make sure that at a time of great challenge the NHS is able to change and innovate when local doctors believe it is in the interests of patients.”
The Royal College of Midwives welcomed the decision. Director for policy, employment relations and communications Jon Skewes said: “We were deeply concerned about the consequences of Mr Hunt’s decision for the remaining maternity services in south-east London. London’s birth rate is continuing to rise and the occasions when maternity units in the area have had to temporarily close or suspend services is worrying.
“It is important that as much maternity care is provided locally as is possible. This is a victory for mothers, babies and their families in south-east London.”
(Image: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire/Press Association Images)
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