25k protest London hospital closure

The British government’s decision to slash services at a London hospital has turned into an unexpected headache that saw 25,000 people march in the city in protest.

The protest, on Saturday, was organized by Save Lewisham Hospital campaign group to prevent a planned closure of its new A&E department, Intensive Care, maternity and children’s services.

The proposals to cut the services have been tabled in an attempt to help the cash-strapped South London Healthcare NHS Trust (SLHT).

Health Secretary, Jeremy Hunt, will make his decision on the subject at the start of February 2013.

Local Lewisham residents are outraged by the proposals because the hospital is not part of the SLHT and has no financial problem.

Doctors working at the hospital have also described the move as “financial madness”.

Following the strong response the march provided to the government proposals, Save Lewisham Hospital campaign group has also launched a petition in opposition to the proposed closures. The petition has so far gathered 30,860 signatures.