Pendle MP, Gordon Prentice, this afternoon told Hazel Harding, the new Chair of East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, and Diane Whittingham, the Acting Chief Executive, that there should be an independent review of Accident and Emergency provision – and it should be set up without delay. 

The MP said the highly respected health analysis and research charity, the King’s Fund, had given early indications that it would be prepared to look at the issues, if invited. 

Former Burnley MP, Peter Pike, and former Health Authority Chair, Ian Woolley, called earlier this month for the King’s Fund to be brought in. 

The MP said: “I asked Hazel if she would report my views to the Annual General Meeting of the Trust which meets tomorrow morning at 9:00am at the Blackburn Royal Hospital Learning Centre.” 

“I want the Trust to invite the King’s Fund to carry out an urgent review.” 

“I have read the review written by Professor Sir George Alberti, the author of the original proposals, which went to the National Clinical Advisory Team in March this year and it does not inspire coinfidence. It is highly critical of the process.” 

“I have only recently seen Alberti’s Review. It deserves a wide readership.” 

“Now even the Conservatives’ health spokesman, Andrew Lansley, has told the Lancashire Telegraph there is no reason why Burnley cannot have its A&E back.” 

“If the King’s Fund concludes that a single A&E covering the whole of East Lancashire with a population of 500,000, can deliver top quality health care that, alone, will still the voice of many critics.” 

“But to carry on regardless, defying public sentiment, will stoke up further resentment that our local NHS is not listening to local people.” ends