10:45am Tuesday 6th January 2009
An independent review has been launched to examine the effects of health shake-ups across four south-east London boroughs.
The Independent Reconfiguration Panel, an expert on NHS service changes, will look at whether changes under the A Picture of Health scheme will provide safe and accessible services to residents.
The scheme would strip Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup, of its emergency services and reduce surgical A&E at Lewisham to a daytime service.
Panel members will visit the boroughs’ hospitals, meeting patients and staff.
It follows referrals to Health Secretary Alan Johnson from Bexley Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee for Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, Lambeth, Lewisham, Southwark and Kent.
The panel will make its recommendations by March 31 and a final decision on the changes will be made by the Health Secretary.
To take part in the review call 020 7389 8055 or email info@irpanel.org.uk
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