Health Service managers have launched a cuts package under the title "A Picture of Health". The package is in response to the NHS debts in South East London rocketing towards £300 million.

The proposals include downgrading the Accident & Emergency department at Lewisham Hospital to an Urgent Care Centre. Closure of both Maternity and Children's Services are among the options being consulted on.

Cllr. Maines commented, "These are savage cuts that will destroy the notion of a local hospital serving a local community.

"This is a direct response to the Private Financing Initiatives (PFI) entered into by both Labour and Tory Governments. I did think even they realised the scale and the speed in which these debts would hit services."

Cllr. Maines also slammed the consultation process, "We are told these are the final options being put to the public. What does that mean? Is this something that has already been decided by the bureaucrats or can these cuts still be prevented?"

The cuts package, announced Christmas week, demonstrated real cynicism towards public involvement and genuine consultation.

Cllr Maines is also critical that the proposals are based on the premise that a few senior doctors should be based in two centres in South East London with patients being transported to them. "The plans will require a considerable increase in emergency ambulances to transport patients around the already congested road network."