The Petition of the people of Croydon,

Declares that Accident & Emergency at Mayday University Hospital should be protected and that the hospital's status should not be downgraded.

The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to encourage the South West London Strategic Health Authority to maintain Mayday’s status and A&E unit.

And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Mr. Andrew Pelling, Official Report, 29 March 2010; Vol. 508, c. 606.]

[P000797]

Observations from the Secretary of State for Health:

As part of the South West London sector review, clinicians are at the heart of the development of plans working with patients and partner organisations to develop a local strategy to deliver Healthcare for London, and any proposals recommended by clinicians will be assessed, tested and refined with key stakeholders. Health services need to change if they are to meet the needs of everyone in Croydon in the future. Mayday Healthcare NHS Trust will continue to provide modern, accessible and appropriate healthcare and changes to services at Mayday will only be considered if they support the best quality and safest outcomes for local people. NHS Croydon has kept stakeholders updated and they have been reassured that Mayday Hospital has a strong future in Croydon.

The review is at a very early stage, with no firm proposals having been put forward. It must be emphasised that any changes will be subject to a full and public consultation, which is not expected to begin before autumn 2010.

Although the Department of Health provides strategic leadership to the NHS and social care organisations in England, it is for local NHS organisations to plan, develop and improve services for local people. Therefore, any proposals for improvements to services are matters to be decided locally and it would be therefore wrong for the Secretary of State or Ministers to intervene.