Chris Grayling

At a stormy meeting on Friday June 7th, the Epsom and St Helier Trust Board voted to close Epsom's Inpatient Maternity and Paediatric Unit from next August, 2008. Despite a huge crowd of protestors, which led to people being turned away from the meeting because it was so full, and despite bitter protests from doctors and members of the public, the Board voted to press ahead with the plan to transfer services to St Helier. Chris Grayling accused the Board of misleading the public over their claim that the unit was facing safety issues, pointing out that it conforms to all current guidance from the Department of Health and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

"I am disgusted by this decision," he said. "What is effectively happening is that the Epsom maternity unit is being cannibalised to try to prop up St Helier, which does not conform to current safety guidelines. The Board hopes that patients and staff will transfer to St Helier. But the reality is that most Surrey patients will go elsewhere instead. This decision is a huge kick in the teeth for Epsom Hospital and its staff."

The proposals now have to be put to a public consultation by the Trust.

Public Meeting to launch Maternity Campaign

Chris Grayling and the Epsom Hospital Campaign will be holding a public meeting at St Joseph's Church Hall, St Margaret's Drive, Epsom at 8pm on Wednesday June 20th to kick off the campaign to save Epsom's maternity department. All welcome.