"The catalogue of failings we have seen in North West London acts as a microcosm of a wider malaise across the English NHS"
Michael Mansfield QC
The Tory NHS shake-up has been labelled “deeply flawed” by one of Britain’s leading lawyers.
Michael Mansfield QC led a probe into the impact of the changes in North West London where two A&E units and a maternity unit have been axed.
He insisted the cuts are having a devastating impact on the poor not only in London but across England.
Mr Mansfield said: “It is crystal clear that the impact of fragmentation through privatisation is slowly eroding what was a National Health Service.
“The catalogue of failings we have seen in North West London acts as a microcosm of a wider malaise across the English NHS.”
He demanded the “deeply flawed” reforms end. There could be a legal challenge if the Government ploughs on.
Accident and Emergency department
Mr Mansfield chairs the Independent Healthcare Commission set up by four councils in the capital.
He said: “Though this report focuses on the NHS in North West London, it should be a warning call.”
A&Es at Hammersmith and Central Middlesex hospitals and Ealing maternity unit have shut. Further downgrading at Ealing is planned plus the sale of most of the Charing Cross hospital site.
Mr Mansfield added: “The Shaping a Healthier Future programme should be halted immediately.”
Brent, Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham and Hounslow councils say the poorest are being targeted.
Cllr Stephen Cowan, leader of Hammersmith & Fulham, said: “People have been horrified to see their treasured NHS deteriorating so quickly and unnecessarily.
“They’ve begged local health chiefs to stop this madness and have been ignored.”
THE MIRROR
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