Lewisham: Government 'breaking up' NHS
The Government was accused of "breaking up" the NHS after announcing a downgrading of Lewisham A&E and maternity services
Lewisham A&E downgraded despite protests
An A&E department and maternity services at a major hospital will be downgraded, Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt told MPs.
Decision on Lewisham A&E
The proposed closure of units at Lewisham Hospital is part of a radical plan to rescue a neighbouring NHS trust from bankruptcy.
Live updates
Hospital campaigners meet Mayor
The last time Boris Johnson came face-to-face with campaigners angered by the downgrading of Lewisham Hospital, they booed and heckled him. Undeterred, he had another meeting with them today. Nina spoke to our Political Correspondent Simon Harris about how it went.
Prime Minister asked about Lewisham hospital
The MP for Lewisham Deptford Dame Joan Ruddock asked David Cameron about the changes to Lewisham Hospital at Prime Minister's Questions.
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Man missing after walking out from hospital
Lewisham police are appealing to trace a missing man who walked out of Lewisham hospital yesterday.
Jermaine Brissett was being treated at the hospital when he walked out at approximately 1630hrs on Saturday 16 March.
He is black, 6ft tall and of slender build with a goatee beard. He was last seen wearing black trousers, a black leather jacket with a grey hoodie.
He was being treated for mental health issues and the public are asked not to approach him but instead call the CID at Lewisham on 07788916864.
Boris "roasted" at People's Question Time
Boris was roasted by the people of SE London, really made my day #pqt #Borisfail @savelewishamae
From @yrotitna on Twitter:@mayoroflondon well done Boris @ lewisham pqt but imagine what its like 4 me every month as the only Tory cllr in lewisham #TorySAS
From @cllrcja on Twitter:Tonight's #PQT was a political car crash for Boris. He misjudged from start to finish. Lewisham people want to keep i999 & NHS services
From @ValShawcross on Twitter:Boris Johnson had an uncomfortable night at People's Question Time in Catford. The Mayor faced angry campaigners opposed to cuts at Lewisham Hospital.
Boris under pressure at People's Question Time
Proper heckling towards Boris going on here tonight #pqt #lewisham http://t.co/H7FaN0QPME
From @Ria_star on Twitter:#Boris is onstage. In spite of saying that Catford has a very special place in his heart... He's being heckled a LOT #pqt
From @eastlondonlines on Twitter:#pqt #nhs Mayor being challenged by Assembly on Lewisham Hosp. Comparison that he has no impact on banker's bonuses but still supported it
From @MzLashmore on Twitter:Boris Johnson is facing a hostile audience at People's Question Time in Catford. He's agreed to answer a series of questions on the proposed closure of Lewisham Hospital's A&E department.
London A&Es future unclear
An unprecedented coalition of London residents, medical staff, trade unions and health campaigners has come together to raise the alarm regarding what they say is the biggest threat to A & Es,maternity units and in-hospital care for a generation.
ConcernedLondoners have lobbied MPs to highlight threats to the NHS in London which willinclude protests, pickets, rallies, demonstrations, candle lit vigils andmusical events.
Campaigners claim these threats include the closure of Lewisham Hospital's new A&E and maternity units, paediatric services and ICU announced last week by Secretary of State Jeremy Hunt.
They say the closest A&E at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich has lesser facilities,is financially unstable and is a two hour bus ride away for many residents.
It comes as Lewisham council threatened Mr Hunt with legal action and has also setup a Legal Challenge Fund to allow people in the community to contribute to the action.
SeveralPrimary Care Trusts are due to make their final recommendations throughoutFebruary after which their reports will go to Jeremy Hunt for a final decision.
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What's the future for Lewisham patients?
What impact are the changes to Lewisham Hospital going to have on patients who use it for emergency care?
Other hospitals in the area will have to pick up the burden, but that is proving unpopular.
Ria Chatterjee reports.
Fate of Lewisham Hospital decided
by Simon HarrisA downgraded Accident and Emergency Department - but the end of the maternity unit.
After months of waiting, the people of South East London heard today whether they had won their very public battle to keep Lewisham Hospital just as it is.
The Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt decided that A and E should stay - but be smaller.
The maternity unit has been axed.
Campaigners continuing protest against changes
Our reporter Paul Brand has spent the day with protesters.
Unison: Downgrade will have consequences
Dave Prentis, leader of Unison, said downgrading the services will have long-term consequences for the capital.
The union accused the Government of failing to listen to the concerns and arguments of clinicians, patients, hospital staff, unions and the local community.
The campaign to protect Lewisham's A&E and maternity services has shown that people are willing to stand up and fight to keep their NHS safe and local.
The long-term impact of the downgrade - and whether today's announcement is just a repackaging of the original plans - remains to be seen.
We know that a major reorganisation of emergency services is planned, which makes today's decision even more premature.
Lewisham is not the first and won't be the last hospital to come under attack by this Government. Its disastrous NHS reorganisation and squeezes on funding are causing cuts and closures across the country."