I was concerned to read a recent article regarding Edgware Community Hospital, which currently offers a 24-hour walk-in emergency service for minor conditions ( 'Hospital's future in the balance' Times, January 24).
No one is turned away and any serious problems are filtered to larger hospitals by ambulance if necessary.
Dr Chaand Nagpaul, chairman of Harrow East and Kingsbury PCG, tells us next month there are plans to withdraw night-time access from the public after 10pm, based on attendance figures.
I would like to ask: Why not increase publicity of this community service before withdrawing it?
How aware is the public that the service actually exists? I, for one, was not aware.
Is the information displayed in GP surgeries or elsewhere?
Without statistics on public awareness of the facility, can a balanced judgement be formed for night-time needs, based on attendance figures alone?
With most GP surgeries now reduced to a four and a half day week, it seems unfair to take away any more patient resources.
If my information is incorrect, I will be pleased to hear so.
Glenda Hudson
Draycott Avenue
Harrow
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