SAVE OUR WHITTINGTON: Green Party leader wades in

Friday March 26, 2010

By TOM FOOT

THE leader of the Green Party has condemned proposals to strip the Whittington Hospital of casualty and maternity units.

Dr Caroline Lucas said the proposals were “wrong” and she would “work hard” to safeguard the Highgate hospital.

Health bosses have suggested the A&E and maternity unit could be shut as part of a controversial review of hospitals in north London.

In a webchat on the internet site mumsnet today (Friday), she said: “I am very happy to pledge my opposition to the closure of the A&E and maternity services at the Whittington, and if elected, will work hard to keep the services open. The Green Party believe it’s wrong that hospitals and health centres are treated like businesses, rather than vital public services.”

The Defend Whittington Hospital Coalition has been boosted by statements from top politicians from all the major political parties.

Last week, health minister Mike O'Brien told the House of Commons he would “find it difficult to accept” any case for closing the Whittington A&E.

On Monday, shadow health secretary Andrew Lansley MP told the New Journal he would “press the reset button” on the hospital review.