THE fight to save the Whittington Hospital's A&E department is gathering strength. The Defend the Whittington Hospital Coalition has now set up a website at www.dwhc.org.uk – due to launch today. The group was formed after a leaked letter from NHS bosses

THE fight to save the Whittington Hospital's A&E department is gathering strength.

The Defend the Whittington Hospital Coalition has now set up a website at www.dwhc.org.uk - due to launch today.

The group was formed after a leaked letter from NHS bosses last year confirmed plans to reshuffle services in the north central London sector. The Whittington would be downgraded to a "local hospital" with no A&E or specialist services, it is proposed.

Zozi Goodman has been appointed joint chairwoman with Shirley Franklin.

She said: "It seems ridiculous that Haringey doesn't have a hospital and now Islington might end up without one."

The group has formalised its petition wording and now holds regular signing sessions at Archway station and Nag's Head in Islington.

According to the leaked letter from North Central London NHS, the options for a reshuffle of hospital services in Barnet, Enfield, Haringey, Camden and Islington will be appraised this month.

The Whittington is in talks with the Royal Free about a merger.

But Whittington boss Rob Larkman has flatly denied that his A&E department is closing.

Mr Larkman was due to speak yesterday (Wednesday) at Haringey Council's scrutiny committee meeting while campaigners planned to hold a protest outside the council offices.

The next Defend The Whittington Hospital Coalition meeting takes place at 7pm this evening in the Whittington Park Community Centre.