"Proposed closure of Stroke Unit in Ealing Hospital."

A review of Southall Gazette by Rani Singh written on Tuesday 19th of May 2009

Dear Sir/Madam,

I write in support of the campaign that is being led by Cllr Gurcharan Singh against the proposed closure of the Stroke Unit in Ealing Hospital.

I feel I have first hand experience working with Asian Elders through my various roles in the care sector over the past 20 years based in Southall. During this time, I have on many occasions helped people to attend out patient appointments at the hospital.

I believe that the proposed closure would cause considerable distress to older people in Southall They will have greater difficulty in getting to a suitable alternative hospital. For instance getting to Charing Cross hospital from Southall requires taking two buses. For people who are unable to use public transport, hospital transport would have to foot the bill.

As you are aware, the big community issues surrounding Asian Elders include breakdown of family unity, families working longer hours and older persons living on their own with minimum support. These factors mean that older people often have to attend appointments on their own. Closing a local service makes it even harder for them to get the health care they need.

The London Borough of Ealing has a very diverse community with a high ratio of Asian Elders with a high risk of stroke and related illnesses. I do therefore feel that the proposed closure will have a significant detrimental impact on the community.

Rani Singh

Support Officer.

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