The MP for Northwood, Ruislip and Pinner has addressed residents’ concerns that the Urgent Care Nurse Practitioner Service at Mount Vernon Hospital is to close.
The centre cares for patients with minor injuries and offers urgent care services such as for grazes and bruising, though it is not walk-in; patients are triaged and appointments are booked via 111.
During Easter, rumours that the centre was set to close circulated on social media, prompting the launch of a petition titled Save Mount Vernon’s Urgent Care Unit. In under two weeks, the petition gained more than 11,500 signatures.
After making enquiries, David Simmonds CBE MP received assurances from the chief executive of The Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust that there were no plans to close the unit. Mr Simmonds MP then wrote to Health Secretary Wes Streeting MP to help ensure the unit remains in operation.
Mr Simmonds MP wrote: “The Urgent Care Nurse Practitioner Service is highly valued across Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner, evidenced by the number of residents who have been in touch to share how it has benefitted themselves or loved ones.
“[The petition] is a clear demonstration of local support and the importance of residents’ voices being heard. I ask the government to ensure it does everything it can to retain this vital facility.”
The MP highlighted his long-term fears for the unit because of an ongoing review covering services across Mount Vernon and the wider trust.
He said: “I remain concerned about the impact of reorganisation on the current arrangement. I was clear in my conversation with Lesley Watts that no decision should be taken forward without the consultation of both staff and the local community.”
The Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has been contacted for comment.
To view the petition, visit www.shorturl.at/hLkHL
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