Local newspaper the Ilford Recorder has revealed the results of a GP survey into the Health for North East London proposals to shut A&E departments at some hospitals – and found that there is ‘overwhelming’ opposition to the plans.

However, there is concern that unless GPs stand up to local health bosses and put their names to their objections, people might continue ‘dying in the back of ambulances’ on their way to units much farther away than their local hospital.

Dr David Shubhaker of Barkingside Medical Centre said that he felt many medics feared for their careers by confronting health executives over A&E closures.

The opinions of local GPs were collated in a poll of 120 family doctors in Redbridge by Tory Councillor Loraine Sladden.

Cllr Sladden received replies from 106 doctors, out of which 95 per cent ‘slammed’ the proposals to close A&E departments at local hospitals – but none of those responding would reveal their identities to the press.

‘The level of response reconfirms that the decision-makers are being economical with the truth when they say GPs are behind the proposals,’ she said.

‘I wish people would stand up and be counted. It is a shame, but there is an air of fear that they must toe the line.’

Dr Shubhaker said that he was ‘not surprised’ at the response from GPs.

‘Journey times count and paramedics can't do it all – I fear patients will die in the back of ambulances.

’I wish more GPs would speak out like me, but I understand why they won't – they fear retribution.’

Dr Shubhaker said that the closure plans for north east London would put lives at risk, as A&E patients would have to be taken to departments at the Queen's Hospital in Romford or Leytonstone's Whipps Cross Hospital, instead of a local A&E department.

Unison member for the London Ambulance Service, Eddie Brand, said he felt that paramedics would be able to cope with the pressure of A&E closures in north east London if extra resources such as staff, vehicles and equipment were provided, as promised by health bosses.

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