CHASE FARM HOSPITAL

That this House notes the report of the College of Emergency Medicine, the Way Ahead 2008-2012, which concluded that there is no evidence of the clinical or financial benefit of the urgent care model; further notes that the Government's proposals are clinically unproven and against the principle of patient choice of access to proper emergency care; is gravely concerned at the decision to downgrade services at Chase Farm Hospital, including the closure of its 24-hour accident and emergency department and loss of consultant-led maternity services; regrets the shortcomings of the consultation process and the decision by the Secretary of State for Health to approve the recommendations of the Independent Reconfiguration Panel, which jeopardises the future of Chase Farm as a general district hospital; and welcomes the decision of Enfield Council to seek a judicial review of the Secretary of State for Health's decision.