Burrowes: Court deliverers nail to coffin of Chase Farm's A&E and Consultant led maternity services

David Burrowes comments on Wednesday's High Court judgement rejecting Enfield Council's judicial review challenge.

David Burrowes MP said:
"The Court's decision to stop the Council's challenge is very disappointing. It means a nail to the coffin of Chase Farm's A&E and Consultant led maternity services. Whilst the High Court have made the latest decision we need to be in no doubt that the responsibility for downgrading Chase Farm's frontline services lies at the door of the Secretary of State for Health. It is the Government which has designed and constructed the coffin for our A&E and maternity services.
The court judgement signals the end of the road for the vigorous local campaign. It is a travesty that the thousands of protestors, petitioners and campaigners have had their voice ignored by the Government and the duty to consult discounted by the Court.

At least there is hope that the end of the road is not far away for this Government. The problem is that it may be too late for Chase Farm Hospital. A significant part of the Court's judgement is the recognition that plans for the expansion of North Middlesex Hospital are already at an advanced stage with significant investment and agreement to vary the PFI to accommodate the additional patients from the downgrade of Chase Farm Hospital. The improvements to North Middlesex are subject to a strict timetable and need to go full steam ahead. This is in the interests of many of my constituents who will be dependent upon improved healthcare at North Mid."