AN independent survey commissioned by Ealing Council and neighbouring Hammersmith and Fulham has found widespread opposition to planned changes to hospital services.

The survey by BMG Research asked 1,514 residents about NHS North West London’s plan, Shaping A Healthier Future.  

It found that:

  • 90% disagree with plans to close A&E departments at Ealing and Charing Cross hospitals
  • 90% disagree with plans to cut 500 hospital beds across the north-west London region
  • 94% believe one of the essential features of an A&E should be to treat major injuries or conditions
  • 85% are against the downgrade of hospitals from major to local
  • 92% agree blue light ambulances are an essential feature of A&E units
  • 74% of people said they, a family member or friend had visited a hospital in the last 12 months.
  • 83% are extremely/very concerned about the longer travel times to access A&Es and other hospital services
  • 81% agree with the councils’ objective to protect services at Charing Cross and Ealing hospitals and in particular to stop the closure of the A&Es.

Ealing Council leader Julian Bell said: “We’re not at all surprised with these damning findings.

“If these plans go ahead, people in Ealing will be further away from emergency treatment, even under ‘blue light’ conditions when every second counts.”

The NHS has told patients that Ealing Hospital is not closing after a petition was launched by the councils.

It says people should carry on using services as normal.