Royal borough launches judicial review over plan to move minor injuries unit

A borough council has launched judicial review proceedings over a clinical commissioning group’s plans to transfer a minor injuries unit away from a local hospital.

The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead is seeking to challenge the decision by the NHS’s Windsor, Ascot and Maidenhead CCG to move the unit to Bracknell.

Council leader Cllr David Burbage said: "We will continue to fight for these local services on behalf of our residents. The important thing is that these services are convenient for the customers who use them, not that they're convenient for the NHS to provide.

"This is a complicated situation but we are doing all we can, including meeting with representatives of Frimley Park Trust today to explain our position and to discuss potential plans."

Cllr David Coppinger, cabinet member for adult services and health, also said: "We are fully committed to fighting this unpopular and ill-advised decision all the way. By submitting the application for judicial review we are making it clear that we – and our residents – will not stand by and see these essential local services taken away from the Royal Borough."

A special council meeting was held at Ascot Racecourse on 9 May to provide residents with an opportunity to have their say about the NHS’s decision.

The Health Secretary, Jeremy Hunt, has agreed – following a question asked by Adam Afriyie, MP for Windsor and Ascot – to meet a delegation from the Royal Borough to better understand their concerns.