The number of hospital beds available for patients in north-west London could be reduced by a quarter under plans to reconfigure services in the capital.
The total number of adult, paediatric, critical care and maternity beds could be reduced from 4,065 to 3,044, according to proposals put forward by NHS North West London.
Dr John Lister, from the campaign group London Health Emergency, said a rapid closure of bed space would put “massive strain” on GPs.
A spokeswoman for the trust said the reconfiguration options are being examined to improve health services across north-west London.
The proposals include eight different options which would each see major upheavals to the provision of services in the area.
Some hospitals could be changed into smaller local local hospitals while others will remain major hospitals.
The consultation also examines the possibility of closing four accident and emergency units in Ealing, Charing Cross, Hammersmith and Central Middlesex Hospitals.
Tens of thousands of people responded to the proposals, which were consulted on for 14 weeks.
The trust, which manages healthcare in the London boroughs of Brent, Ealing, Hammersmith and Fulham, Harrow, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster, serves 1.9 million people.
Source
Press Association
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