The Secretary of State for Health has today (31 Jan) published his decision on the future of the South London Healthcare NHS Trust – see 8 Jan News item South London Healthcare NHS Trust final report published.
The Secretary of State has accepted the broad recommendations of the Trust Special Administrator’s report. The recommendations include the proposed dissolution of the Trust, with each of its hospitals taken over by a neighbouring hospital trust.
With regard to the proposal to centralise very specialist emergency care at 4 sites in South East London, the Secretary of State has accepted the recommendation, but with an amendment to enable Lewisham Hospital to retain its ability to admit patients with less serious conditions, and continue to have 24/7 senior medical emergency cover, allowing it therefore to remain open as a working A&E department.
Further details on the decision can be found here.