Councillors have reacted to the announcement of a closure date for Hemel Hempstead's full A&E by warning 'we're on the slippery slope to the end of a hospital'.
Hospital bosses plan to shut down full casualty services on October 8 after a new A&E department opens in Watford, leaving Hemel Hempstead with a minor injuries unit.
The move was decided in 2006 by West Herts Hospitals NHS Trust but a legal chall
enge by Dacorum Hospital Action Group, though unsuccessful, delayed the plans.
Council leader Andrew Williams told a full meeting of Dacorum Borough Council: "We are on the slippery slope to the end of a general hospital in Hemel Hempstead as we know it.
"If anyone seriously believes this is adequate for Hemel Hempstead they are very much mistaken.
"We will continue to work with organisations in the community but I am very sceptical about reversing this increasingly fast decline of healthcare in Dacorum."
MP Mike Penning said: "I absolutely condemn this move.
"A town the size of Hemel – and set to grow – needs a fully-functioning general hospital with A&E and full back-up support."
The town will be left with a minor injuries unit run by GPs, diagnostic facilities and an outpatients department.
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