MEMBERS of the public can now have their say about plans to radically alter the face of healthcare in the borough.

Health for north east London launched its 14-week public consultation into proposals to close the accident and emergency (A&E) service at King George Hospital in Ilford, with all emergency patients being taken to either Whipps Cross in Leytonstone or Queen's Hospital in Romford.

The proposals also include plans to establish a 24-hour polyclinic at King George, which would aim to treat up to 75 percent of patients currently using the A&E service who, health bosses say, do not actually require emergency care.

The consultation document argues that the existing polyclinic in Redbridge, in Loxford ward, is an indication of how this type of service provision could be used to meet the needs of patients across the borough.

Other plans include the development of services for children and older people, with a view to establishing King's as a centre for planned surgery.

At a full council meeting in November, councillors voiced fears about the possibility of losing A&E provision and how it would affect patients in the borough.

Members from all parties united to demand answers from the NHS and urged a full and frank engagement with the consultation to ensure that residents' concerns were heard.

To put your views across, call 0808 2385416, email healthfornel@ipsos.com, or write to Freepost RSAE RCET ATJY, Health for North East London, Harrow HA1 2QG.

Look out for adverts and posters around the borough, or alternatively click here to download a questionnaire.