The campaign to save Queen Mary’s Hospital’s minor injuries unit has gained significant momentum with an online petition jumping to 9,000 signatures in little more than a week amid signs that the planned closure may face delays.
The hospital has yet to begin a formal consultation process which could make it legally difficult for St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to proceed with its rumoured January closure plans since NHS trusts are required to conduct proper consultation with staff and stakeholders before making significant service changes, particularly those affecting patient care.
In a revealing development, hospital management has also taken the unusual step of forbidding staff from sharing petition QR codes created to boost support for the campaign, highlighting the divide between frontline workers who support the unit and management pushing for closure. The ban appears to have come too late, however, with the codes visible throughout the hospital and surrounding area.
Political pressure mounting
The campaign is attracting growing political support as an increasing number of residents/voters make their views plain. This political pressure, combined with the lack of formal consultation, is making it increasingly difficult for the Trust to proceed with the original closure timeline.
The campaign follows Putney.news’ report last month that the hospital intended to close the unit in additional to four temporary operating theatres.
The closures are driven by the severe financial pressures facing St George’s Trust, which is over £100 million in debt. These financial difficulties stem largely from expensive Private Finance Initiative (PFI) commitments that see the trust paying over £12 million annually for Queen Mary’s Hospital – costs that will rise to £22 million by 2035.
The minor injuries unit at Queen Mary’s Enhanced Primary Care Hub has been operating efficiently, treating up to 80 patients in 12 hours when it functioned as a walk-in service. The unit consistently receives five-star feedback and helps reduce pressure on overcrowded A&E departments across South West London.
Staff opposition vs management push
The ban on petition-sharing highlights the stark contrast between frontline staff, who understand the unit’s value and efficiency, and senior management focused on cost-cutting. Many experienced nurses and healthcare practitioners in the area have expressed bewilderment at the decision to close what they describe as an efficient, well-regarded service that serves hundreds of patients weekly – with one of the them driven to start the petition asking for a rethink.
If the closure does eventually proceed, residents from Roehampton, Putney, and surrounding areas will be forced to travel to St George’s Hospital in Tooting for treatment previously available locally. This would particularly affect elderly patients and will likely increase pressure on local GP surgeries.
The campaign to save the unit has been supported by retired healthcare professionals, local families, and community groups who argue that closing the facility would be “short-sighted” and harmful to community health.
The situation reflects broader challenges facing NHS services across the country, where financial pressures from historic PFI deals continue to constrain local healthcare provision despite government promises to bring “quality care closer to home.”
As community opposition grows and procedural requirements remain unmet, the battle to save Queen Mary’s minor injuries unit appears far from over.
