Jeremy Hunt accused of ‘dishonesty’ by doctor over London A&E closures

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has been accused of “dishonesty” by a London GP over the closure of A&E units in the capital.

The minister was given a rough ride on a radio call-in by the doctor and a patient who said Mr Hunt had “killed off” departments. He was also accused of slashing the number of beds at a third hospital.

Mr Hunt was taking questions on LBC Radio when a GP, Mark from Wembley, rang to call his plans “utter madness”. He added: “We’re hearing that Charing Cross is to be replaced by an urgent care centre. Mr Hunt, have you and the Prime Minister betrayed people by dishonestly claiming last year that Charing Cross will keep its A&E?”

The criticism came the day after casualty units at Hammersmith and Central Middlesex hospitals were shut. There are also plans to cut the number of inpatient beds at Charing Cross hospital from 360 to 24.

Another caller, Jan from Hammersmith, said she depended on the axed A&Es. Mr Hunt said the Government had worked closely with doctors on the shake-up of the units to improve care.