AN A&E unit which stands to take on thousands more patients if the recommended closure at Epsom Hospital goes ahead has already seen an increase of nearly 3,000 patients in the last year.
Figures released by the London Ambulance Service reveal that from April 2012 to March 2013 St George's Hospital in Tooting saw a 9.8 per cent increase in the demand for its emergency services, treating a total of 32,884 people – an extra 2,936 people compared to 2011-12.
The Better Standards Better Value (BSBV) review recommended in May that Epsom should become an elective care centre and lose both its A&E and maternity units.
Mole Valley's MP Sir Paul Beresford said: "We have written to the various hospitals which stand to take on more patients and the impression we have from them is that they are horrified.
"These figures just demonstrate the concerns that Chris Grayling and I have had and expressed all along."
Michael Bailey, consultant urologist and joint medical director for BSBV, said: "The only way in which we can provide the round the clock care patients need is to offer it in fewer, larger units.
"There are not enough doctors available or even in training to do this across the five hospitals in south west London and Epsom which are part of BSBV."