A full review of plans to close the A&E and labour ward at King George Hospital has been ordered by the government in a key victory for campaigners.
Secretary of State for Health Andrew Lansley has made the announcement after reviewing an initial assessment into the proposals submitted to him last week by the independent reconfiguration panel.
The same panel now has until July 22 at the latest to present a report to Mr Lansley on whether the plans for the hospital in Barley Lane, Goodmayes, should go ahead.
Mr Lansley will then make a final decision on the Health for North East London proposals, which were first pitched in late 2009.
Welcoming the decision, Ilford North MP Lee Scott said: “I am delighted that Andrew Lansley has seen that this process needs to be completely reviewed as it is flawed and I hope this review will stop the cuts at King George Hospital.
“With growing patient demand in the area we have a very strong case for retaining key services at King George Hospital.”
To view the proposals and to see the results of last year’s consultation into the plans, log on to www.healthfornel.nhs.uk.
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