HEALTH campaigners say the public must be properly consulted on the closure of services at the borough's only general hospital.

On the first anniversary on Saturday of the decision by the then health secretary Andrew Lansley to shutdown the A&E and maternity departments at King George in Goodmayes, those opposed to the move gathered to renew calls for a rethink.

They insist there is still high demand at both units, with health bosses not taking into account the rise in population recorded by the 2011 census.

A date is yet to be set for the closure of the A&E, a fact campaigners say proves it is still needed.

The maternity unit is earmarked for closure early next year, with expectant mothers already being sent to Queens hospital in Romford and Whipps Cross University in Leytonstone.

Campaigner Neil Zammett of the Save King George Hospital campaign said: "Over the last year we have seen many of the arguments put forward by campaigners have been proved right.

"Now they are unable to close the A&E department and the decision is moving backwards faster than the car in Back to the Future.

"We now want to have a public consultation on the maternity closure.

"We want to see plans that are simply founded in arguments that people will understand." Councillors in September voted to support the call for public opinion to be taken into account.

Cllr Andy Walker, of Chadwell ward, said: "Public opinion shows that a consultation is wanted.

"We know that people want these services there and as their elected representatives they expect us to ensure they stay.

"I think we are in with a fighting chance to save the A&E."

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