The people of Lewisham celebrated on Tuesday as Lewisham hospital’s A&E again survived a downgrade. The victory showed that community pressure (in the name of the Save Lewisham Hospital Campaign) can pay off. Around 40,000 people had taken to the streets earlier in the year in two protest marches to show their support for Lewisham hospital.
The verdict handed down in London was greeted with joy by campaigners, as the Department for Health failed in its legal battle at the high court. Vicky Penner, a member of the Save Lewisham Hospital campaign said “We are absolutely delighted with the Court of Appeal’s decision today."
The judges, headed by Lord Dyson, said they would give their reasons for the decision as soon as possible. They would also give a decision on another aspect of Hunt's appeal against the high court's decision in July. This relates to whether Hunt and Kershaw had met procedural requirements on the proposed structural changes, including consultation and the approval of local GPs on the downgrading of services.