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Press Release

Which? comments on Patricia Hewitt's statement that the current hospital system will change

19 September 2006

Following the statement by the Secretary of State for Health, Patricia Hewitt, that the current hospital system will change, Frances Blunden, principal policy adviser, Which? comments:

“Today’s statement will continue to fuel public concerns that many existing A&E departments will close. Whilst we can’t argue with the rationale behind creating high-tech regional trauma centres, there is a real concern about where most people’s urgent care needs will be met in this new structure.

“Closing A&Es will result in many people simply not knowing where to go for treatment. Indeed, Which? research shows that A&E is the default option for many people in the UK needing out of hours care.

“In rural areas people already have to travel a long way for out of hours care. Closing A&Es will simply result in more people travelling further, with possible serious consequences. Which? is calling on the Government to ensure that the planned Urgent Care Strategy delivers co-ordinated urgent care services that really put patients’ needs first.”



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