Lewisham Council launches legal action against A&E downgrade

A letter from Lewisham Mayor Steve Bullock reads:

Dear Friend,

Yesterday, Lewisham Council delivered a letter launching legal action against Jeremy Hunt’s disgraceful decision to press ahead with the downgrade of Lewisham Hospital’s maternity and emergency services.

The letter makes clear to the Secretary of State and to the Trust Special Administrator that I do not believe that they had the statutory power to make such major changes to Lewisham Hospital.

We are advised, and I believe, that we have a very good case. Of course we run a risk that we may be forced to pay legal costs should we not win our case outright. But the strength of feeling in the Council, and in the community, that this is such an important issue it is a risk worth taking. The Council is in the best position in the community to take the leadership on this issue now and to pursue the argument in the courts.

How you can help

I have already been asked by local people how they can support this legal action. That is why the Council has set up a ‘Legal Challenge Fund’ to enable people to make their own financial contribution to the legal action. I would be delighted if you wanted to make a donation, no matter how large or small. Any money that is unspent will be donated to a local health charity, Children First Lewisham.

We are in the first stages of what could be a long legal process. I will endeavor to keep you up to date with its progress. In the mean time, please feel free to pass this message on to friends and family who want to help us save Lewisham Hospital.

Via the South East London Forum.