I had to take my daughter to Epsom A&E with a suspected appendicitis last week after which she was transferred to St Helier.

With two other children needing us we ended having to make six journeys to and from the hospital over the course of the weekend.

I put £30 in the car to cover the cost of petrol. Each journey took over 20 minutes from Epsom.

She was released on Saturday but I had to rush her back in on Sunday with bleeding but took her to Epsom where we received first class treatment. Thankfully she is fine now.

We have reasonable income but I couldn't help but overhear so many people waiting at A&E that they had either taken a bus or taxi or walked into A&E as they do not have support or their own transport. 

How are people on lower incomes now expected to deal with these situations (if Epsom loses its A&E and maternity unit) if they have very small children, are pregnant with other children or are in such pain they find it difficult to co-ordinate their own needs?

St Helier is not the answer, people need proper care and Epsom is where it should took place.

Yes it could be made more efficient and not so costly but closure - no, no, no.

We need to speak louder as a community and stop this happening.

Rob Wakefield, via email

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