Nick Clegg adds his voice to Whittington campaign as MP presents residents’ stories to health minister

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Lynne Featherstone presenting personal stories about the Whittington HospitalLiberal Democrat Leader, Nick Clegg, has backed the campaign to stop closure of the Whittington A&E. The pledge of support comes in the same week as Lynne Featherstone presents local peoples’ personal stories to the Health Minister about their experiences of the Whittington A&E to demonstrate just why local residents need the Whittington A&E to stay open, and to demand that the Government halts the threat.

The Liberal Democrat MP presented Mike O’Brien, Minster for Health, with a collection of over 200 personal stories, written by local residents, who are horrified by the threat to the Archway hospital.

The Liberal Democrats are committed to stopping this process dead in its tracks. They will replace health quangos with directly elected health boards, accountable to local residents for the decisions they make.

Nick Clegg, Liberal Democrat Leader, says:

“I support the campaign to save Whittington A&E. Decisions about local services should be taken by locally accountable bodies. I would not let North London Central NHS close this A&E. I oppose all proposals made by unaccountable bureaucrats which threaten local services.”

Lynne Featherstone MP comments:

“I welcome Nick’s unequivocal support of this campaign. But thanks also to the many personal and moving stories sent to me by local
residents, I feel we’ve made a powerful case for why the Whittington needs to stay open.

“This is about real people’s lives not paper solutions.

“The many intimate and touching stories really help show why having a hospital close-by is so vital. Many residents praise the hard working staff at the Whittington, who have helped them deal with really difficult and life-altering situations.

“I hope this will help tip the balance, and send a strong message to the Government from the people of Hornsey and Wood Green – hands off our A&E!”

0 thoughts on “Nick Clegg adds his voice to Whittington campaign as MP presents residents’ stories to health minister”

  1. Pingback: YES !!!! Nick Clegg says he would not close Whittington A&E ! « Mum and Babe at the Whittington Hospital

  3. I notice that Nick Clegg is supporting this campaign on the basis of the way the decisions were made, not on the basis of prioritising funding for quality local health services. Given statements Nick Clegg has made elsewhere about the need for significant cuts after the election, and his refusal to protect health funding, I’m worried. Lynne, can you guarantee that if you’re elected you will continue to fight for strong public investment in quality hospital services in this constituency, even if it goes against the main party line?

  4. Defend the Whittington Hospital Campaign was really grateful to the strong role you played in our campaign. My son voted for you, because of this commitment.
    But what do we find now after promises from “Liar” Lansley and Clegg that our hospitals would be safe ( see above)?
    The hospitals in our area are again under threat of having their services decimated, and the National Health service is about to be demolished under the dreadfully destructive government, in which you are equalities minister.
    Lynne I have written to you twice about this and asked you to come to our protest yesterday. You did not have the grace to reply.
    do you support the Con-Dem plans for health? We really do need the help of the Lib Dems to defeat the Health White paper. Will you help us?
    Shirley Franklin
    Chair of Defend the Whittington Hospital Coalition