Ann Keen's Health Department wreaks havoc in Islington
A STORM of protest has erupted in the wake of revelations that Whittington Hospital faces the threat of swingeing cuts.Leaked documents show that the Archway hospital’s accident and emergency and intensive care units could be axed following the news – revealed exclusively in the Tribune last week – that its bosses are in talks with the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead about merging as a “single organisation”.The loss of Islington’s only emergency unit would leave patients facing longer ambulance journeys to University College London, Homerton or Royal Free hospitals.Jeremy Corbyn, Islington North Labour MP: “According to rumours or reports, not only would local patient treatment be reduced but so would local jobs. These are factors that should be given priority when looking at the long term.”Terry Stacy, Islington Council Lib Dem leader: “Royal Free and UCLH are miles away – minutes make all the difference. The Whittington saved my life when I fell off my bike in Liverpool Road. Now it’s time to save the Whittington.”Martin Klute, Islington Labour councillor: “There’s an incredibly strong community feeling around the Whittington. Local people identify with it. The A&E department forms the central focus of that identity and sense of security.”
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