Questions on the future of King George Hospitals A&E will be put straight to government ministers in an hour-long parliamentary debate today (Wednesday).
Ilford South MP Mike Gapes has called the debate about the state of Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust (BHRUT) which runs the hospital in Barley Lane, Goodmayes.
Earlier this month, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) decided to keep the trust in special measures after an inspection in March.
Speaking ahead of the debate, Labour MP Mr Gapes said: “I’m going to emphasise that as long as the hospital remains in special measures, they can’t close the A&E.
“They will have to invest a lot of money at Queen’s Hospital [before A&E can be downgraded], even if they make the decision it will take two to three years.
“Why doesn’t the government change its mind and reverse the decision?”
Mr Gapes said other Labour MPs from the area including Ilford North MP Wes Streeting and Barking MP Margaret Hodge were expected to speak at the debate, which starts at 4.30pm in Westminster Hall.
A government health minister will also be there to respond to questions and comments.
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