NHS cuts spark Valentine message

Key services at Epsom General Hospital could be moved

A giant Valentine's card has been delivered to a hospital in Surrey in protest at proposals to cut services.

The card contained a plea from local councillors not to move the maternity and paediatric unit at Epsom General to St Helier in Carshalton, south London.

Opponents of the plans have said the extra travel distance is unacceptable.

The "We love Epsom Hospital" message pointed out that mothers-to-be had a right to choose and public transport to St Helier was "hopeless".

Formal consultation

It urged NHS managers to listen to Epsom and Ewell residents before making a decision on the hospital's existing services.

Councillor Natalie Rogers, chairman of the social committee, said moving the key services would "seriously disadvantage" residents and those in neighbouring boroughs.

"It is not acceptable for residents to have to travel up to 40 minutes to receive treatment," she said.

Epsom and St Helier Hospitals Trust, which needs to save £24m over the next 18 months, said formal consultation would take place over the proposals.