James Duddridge, Member of Parliament for Rochford and Southend East, is pleased to confirm that no accident and emergency department will close under the reconfiguration proposals.
Yesterday during Health questions, James Duddridge MP asked the Minister to confirm travel plans for patients, staff and visitors will be considered between hospitals during the consultation process. Shortly after his question to the Minister, fellow Essex MP, Sir Simon Burns, Member of Parliament for Chelmsford, asked if the Minister could provide reassurance that no accident and emergency department will be closed as a result of the implementation of the Sustainability and Transformation Plans.
James said
“Local residents have raised concerns with me around transport to Basildon and Broomfield Hospital’s from Southend as a result of proposed changes to accident and emergency care. I have previously raised this as an issue with Claire Panniker, Chief Executive of Southend and Basildon Hospital and I took the opportunity of raising this issue directly with the Minister. This is a fundamental consideration and should not be an afterthought and I wanted to ensure that the Minister was aware of the concerns I have. I was then delighted that Sir Simon Burns MP asked for reassurance that no accident and emergency department will be closing and the Minister was able to provide that reassurance. I know that will be music to local resident’s ears as it has been a real concern amongst the local community. Today in the chamber demonstrated how Essex MP’s are working effectively for Essex.”