PROTESTERS battling to stop a Birmingham A&E being downgraded are celebrating a victory after Health Secretary Alan Johnson agreed to haul in the proposals.
Mr Johnson is initiating a major review into plans to overhaul emergency surgery at City Hospital after a plea by Birmingham watchdogs.
Hospital bosses pushed through proposals to scale down City Hospital, in Winson Green, by moving main surgical expertise to Sandwell Hospital, in West Bromwich, instead.
A 24-hour surgery team will be based at City A&E but it will mean the majority of patients on ambulances from Handsworth, Aston and even Winson Green will be taken on a 15-minute extra journey to Sandwell.
The plans were so controversial, The Birmingham Mail's A&E Debate in January saw 200 people turn out on force to voice concerns in January.
And Birmingham's Health Scrutiny Committee was so worried about the surgery plans that it exercised its powers to refer the matter to the Health Secretary for an independent review in May.
Deirdre Alden, chair of the scrutiny committee, said today: "I have received a letter from Alan Johnson and feel this is a real breakthrough.
"I believe the trust's plans will devalue City A&E.
"Over the next few months a panel will examine rigorously all evidence from all parties and consider the local impact of these proposals and what is best for Birmingham people.
"Feelings were so strong over this issue, especially at the debate that I am delighted the scrutiny committee has made an impact."
Campaigner Dr Ken Taylor, of City Hospital Supporters Group, said: "I am absolutely delighted as this gives us the opportunity to put the case to an independent panel from outside Birmingham.
"It makes all the protests and hard work of the past few months worthwhile.
"Everything is back on the table."
An independent review panel in Whitehall will now draw up a timetable to consult with hospital chiefs, scrutiny members and protest groups.
Panel members will hold interviews, consider written evidence and focus on what is the correct decision for patients and patient care based on local impact and national objectives.
