Satchers - I've used been to Lewisham A&E with my son five times. Each time we went ourselves (I'm not an overprotective mother, by the way, taking him to A&E for a sniffle. Each time was for an injury that involved x-rays, crutches, slings, stitches etc.). No hospital stays required.

The only time a member of my family arrived by ambulance was when my OH came off his bike and broke his collar bone. Still no hospital stay required.

I wonder if there are statistics to show that if you can get there on your own, you are more likely to need 'urgent' care than 'emergency' care. With our pattern of use in the past 15 years, my family would not be disadvantaged by the A&E changing to an 'urgent' care unit. But that is because we have used it for treating injuries and not illness. I worry about patients being misdirected and shuttled around South London when speed of treatment is of the essence.