Andy Slaughter raised the issue in Parliament. File picture: PA Wire

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has pledged to put proposals to close four west London A&E units before a further review if recommended by Ealing Council.

The departments, at Charing Cross, Hammersmith, Ealing and Central Middlesex hospitals will be downgraded to urgent care units after a controversial decision by NHS North West London.

But Hammersmith MP Andy Slaughter put the request to Mr Hunt in the Commons yesterday. He replied that he would refer the plans to the Independent Reconfiguration Panel if asked to by Ealing Council, which is strongly opposed to the plans.

The authority’s health overview and scrutiny committee will review the NHS’s decision next Monday, and if the plans are referred back to Mr Hunt, it is likely they will be subject to further review.

Mr Slaughter said: “I am pleased that the Secretary of State realises how devastating the closures of Charing Cross Hospital and the other three A&Es in north-west London are for my constituents.

“However, residents of Hammersmith need to know that this is only happening because of the resolve of Ealing Council.

“Short-sighted Hammersmith and Fulham Council voted to prevent the review that the Secretary of State promised today.”