Urgent discussions needed on Hornsey polyclinic plans

WE very much welcome the Prime Minister s statement this month of the need to listen to patients experience and expectations, and of the importance of achieving a way forward that will lead to an NHS that will become truly patient-led and ever more respo

WE very much welcome the Prime Minister's statement this month of the need to listen to patients' experience and expectations, and of the importance of achieving a way forward that will lead to an NHS that will become truly patient-led and ever more responsive to their needs.

If this is to be achieved in reality, then it is essential for Haringey TPCT to consult and directly engage with local people in the planning of services to be provided on the Hornsey Hospital site.

A consultation has just commenced on the future of health care in Barnet, Enfield and Haringey but this is primarily concerned with the distribution of services between Barnet, Chase Farm and North Middlesex Hospitals.

It does not appear to include consultation with local people on the changed plans for the Hornsey Hospital site, although PCT board papers indicate that intentions for the new site are to create a 'polyclinic' in which GPs, serving a patient population of 50,000, will be sited. Although the Campaign has been told that public meetings will be held as part of a 'consultation' process on the new plans for the site, by themselves, such meetings do not amount to a properly considered strategy to inform, consult and involve local residents and service users.

We are also greatly concerned about whether any consultation will be real or in name only.

Two of these meetings, we have just learnt, have been scheduled to take place during the summer holiday season. Residents interested in attending should contact Haringey Primary Care Trust for details.

SUSIE SECHER

Better Local Healthcare

Campaign, Hornsey