'The fears of local campaigners that the closure of Maidstone A&E will put the lives of seriously ill patients at risk by making them travel further have been confirmed by a study.

Researchers from Sheffield University found that the risk of death increased by 1% for every six miles travelled by a patient. This with breathing problems were most at risk. Their chances of dying were 13% if the distance they had to travel to a hospital was between six and 12 miles, but increased to 20% if they had to travel 12 miles or more. From Aylesford to Pembury is at least 18 miles and in traffic the journey can take 40 minutes by car.

'This research clearly undermines the Government's claims that closures are based on clinical needs. The campaign against the closure of Maidstone A&E has always been focused on concerns about the distance to the new unit at Pembury. I hope that the Health Secretary will now consider this study in his deliberations on the future of Maidstone A&E alongside the strength of local opposition to the proposal and rule in favour of keeping this essential lifeline for the community open.'

Tracey Crouch
Parliamentary Spokesman for Chatham and Aylesford Conservatives