Wimbledon MP demands urgent clarity on Queen Mary’s Hospital Roehampton service cuts

Wimbledon MP Paul Kohler has written to NHS Trust bosses for answers on the future of the Enhanced Primary Care Hub (EPCH) at Queen Mary’s Hospital, Roehampton. Mr Kohler warned closure will pile pressure on St George’s A&E, already rated ‘requires improvement’ by the CQC. 

Today, Wimbledon MP Paul Kohler has written to Kate Slemeck, Managing Director of St George’s University Hospital NHS Trust, raising serious concerns about the potential closure of the Enhanced Primary Care Hub (EPCH) at Queen Mary’s Hospital, Roehampton.

In a joint letter with Richmond Park MP Sarah Olney, Mr Kohler warned that relocating services to surrounding A&E departments like St George’s and Kingston would place an unfair burden on patients in their constituencies, while adding further strain to already overstretched services at these hospitals.

The EPCH delivers vital local urgent healthcare, with local residents having written to Mr Kohler praising its accessibility and efficiency, and expressing their deep concern over losing these services.

Mr Kohler requested urgent patient data and information on the current state of A&E services at St George’s, stressing that centralising care risks undermining the government’s stated aim of treating minor injuries within the community to reduce pressure on hospitals. He also emphasised the need to ensure residents' voices are heard in this process.

Mr Kohler confirmed he will also write to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to demand assurances that essential urgent care provision will be protected.

Commenting, Mr Kohler said:

“The Enhanced Primary Care Hub at Queen Mary’s is a lifeline for many of my constituents, as I have heard directly from those who have contacted me to share their concerns.” 

“Closing it would mean longer journeys, higher costs, and added pressure on St George’s A&E. We must safeguard local access to urgent care, not weaken it.”

“I will continue to fight to ensure local urgent care provision is protected, and I urge the Trust to put patients and community needs above short-term financial pressures.”
 

Further reading

Paul's full letter can be found here