Statement from Laura Sandys, Member of Parliament serving South Thanet:
In light of the current rumours circulating in Thanet suggesting that A & E at the QEQM hospital in Margate is to be closed, I want to emphasise and reassure local residents that there are absolutely no plans to close this most valued A & E service. Both Sir Roger and I have received absolute assurances on this in person from Stuart Bain, Chief Executive of the East Kent Hospitals Trust. I fully appreciate how concerning these rumours might be and want to ensure that they are not propagated further. Sir Roger and I are resolute in our opposition to any proposals that would compromise or erode the current A & E provision. In order to reassure local residents further, I have written to the Secretary of State for his additional assurances on this issue.
“Furthermore, the Government has no plans to ‘privatise’ or ‘fragment’ the NHS as has recently been reported. The NHS is one of our most valued assets and the Government has made a strong commitment to protecting it. The reforms which will involve the formation of local Clinical Commissioning Groups represent a fundamental shift in the balance of power away from politicians to patients themselves, and to doctors and other professionals. Greater local autonomy will enable local front-line services to become more innovative and responsive to local needs, bringing about greater efficiency and quality. The reforms to our healthcare system will serve to better protect our NHS for the needs of an ageing population and for future generations yet to come.”