THE accident and emergency unit at either Watford General Hospital or Hemel Hempstead Hospital could be axed, South West Hertfordshire MP Richard Page has warned.
Mr Page made the claim at a political conference in his constituency on Friday, October 26, on health issues following the announcement of the closure of the Hemel Hempstead maternity unit.
He said: "The probability of Watford and Hemel Hempstead hospitals operating to the same level of activity and medical speciality is looking increasingly unlikely.
"The political decision to keep both Watford and Hemel Hempstead hospitals open is looking more and more like a political quick fix.
"The situation will grow more and more unsatisfactory day by day, with one hospital gaining an enhanced facility and the other losing."
He said recent decisions to move the maternity unit to Watford and opthalmics to St Albans are the beginning of a shake up in healthcare provision.
He added: "Where will all this lead? It seems likely that one of the accident and emergency units at these hospitals could go. They are providing separate A&E services, but the future for both is looking increasingly bleak."
He concluded that a new hospital in south west Hertfordshire should be considered.
November 1, 2001 15:57
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