MP Anne Main Unconvinced by Changes to the Health Service in Hertfordshire

At a meeting in Watford last night it was formally announced that Hemel Hempstead will not be offering a blue light accident and emergency service in the future

At a meeting in Watford last night it was formally announced that Hemel Hempstead will not be offering a blue light A&E service in the future, and all St Albans Residents will have to combat traffic, which can be horrific on match days, or on the motorways, to access services at Watford Hospital.

Anne said, "I am extremely concerned that the residents of St Albans are suffering as a result of a massive deficit which is leading to service reconfiguration which I am not convinced will offer the best healthcare for my residents. I do not whish to see the A&E closed at Hemel Hempstead until a comprehensive traffic survey has been mad ethat will show conclusively that my residents will not be put in danger. The two new ambulances that are entering service, whilst welcome, may not be enough if my residents, fearing traffic congestion, choose to call an ambulance rather than risk a car journey and traffic delays.

I believe with our excellent operating theatres and committed staff we have a good case in St Albans for arguing for increased and enhanced facilities now that the 'Super hospital' in Hatfield is no longer going ahead.

I will be having meetings with Anne Walker, Chief Executive of the new East and North Hertfordshire PCT, and with Nick Carver of the East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust to discuss all of these matters. I think that it is vital that we have a long term strategy for providing improved healthcare.

My residents have been severely let down by the empty rhetoric of the ex-St Albans MP and the Minister for Health, and now we are left having to scramble to save our local services. I intend to call for another debate with the Secretary of State for Health to discuss the implications of the proposed service reconfiguration for Hertfordshire."