A SUGGESTION that Northwick Park Hospital could be downgraded or closed has been slammed by Bob Blackman, Brent and Harrow's representative on the London Assembly.

The idea has been floted as part of a major review of the NHS ordered by the Government.

Mr Blackman accused the Government of "jeopardising peoples lives in an attempt to balance their books".

The plans include proposals to downgrade five of London's best known hospitals.

Talks are underway to discuss stripping down emergency services at Northwick Park, as well as limiting some of the other services currently provided.

Mr Blackman said he hopsital could then face closure or be limited to providing basic care such as non-emergency surgery, diagnostic and physiotherapy.

Critical emergency care could be transferred to regional "super hospitals".

"I am disgusted to learn of these proposals," Mr Blackman said.

"To threaten the removal of essential frontline healthcare at Northwick Hospital is absolute madness, and is just another example of how the Government's complete failure to manage the NHS is putting peoples lives at risk.

"Thanks to this incompetence, which has left many hospitals and trusts crippled with debt and utterly devastated the morale of health workers, the residents of Brent and Harrow are faced with a restriction of essential emergency healthcare services, and the possibility of long travel to receive such care.

"This is totally unacceptable.

"The Government obviously cares more about money, than about the well being of its public.

"The continual reorganisations are nothing more than a clumsy attempt to cover-up the failure to provide an effective service.

"Those responsible, at the highest levels, need to be aware of the grave repercussions of this proposal and reconsider it immediately.

"The residents of Brent & Harrow are not prepared to accept a substandard, third world health service in a first world city, and to remove A&E services is pure stupidity."