A&E closes in Hemel (From Watford Observer)

A&E closes in Hemel

12:57pm Thursday 12th March 2009

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The accident and emergency department at Hemel Hempstead hospital closed last night.

Residents with a serious illness or injuries will now be diverted to the full casualty department in Watford.

The closure has been condemed by Kings Langley and Hemel Hempstead MP Mike Penning.

Mr Penning said: “I am extremely disappointed that this has finally happened. The people of Hemel no longer have services they used to expect from their hospital. We are essentially left with an outpatients department and the new Urgent Care Centre (UCC).

“The people have been very badly let down over this. All acute services - A&E, cardiac unit, stroke unit - are gone and the promised new hospital at Watford looks further away than ever."

Mr Penning fears that residents will be confused as to what the UCC can and cannot provide.

He added: "The message needs to got out that if someone has a heart attack, for example, don’t be tempted to rush them to Hemel hospital – call 999.”

The Intensive Care Unit and Emergency Theatre are due to close tomorrow (March 13).

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