I am deeply worried by reports that South London Healthcare Trust (SLHT) is considering radical options for the future of Orpington Hospital, including the partial sale of the site for residential development.

I have spoken this afternoon to Dr Chris Streather, the chief executive of SLHT, to demand that there should be no net loss of locally-delivered services in Orpington and to insist that residents and GPs have the chance to participate in a full and open public consultation over the future provision of the healthcare currently provided on the Orpington site.

I remain committed to ensuring that Orpington residents enjoy the high quality local healthcare provision that they need and deserve. I will be meeting with Dr Streather at Orpington Hospital on Friday to discuss its future. I will seek further reassurances from him that the decision-making process will be transparent and open to the public, and that the welfare of residents will at all times be the Trust's and Commisioners' primary consideration.