Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Defending our NHS
Is there a threat to Whipps Cross ?
There has been much talk in the local press about the future of Whipps Cross Hospital - even a claim that there is a possibility it could close.
The situation is that
* the planned new "state of the art" hospital we have been promised for years is now officially off the agenda - for the time being at least
* because of its financial position, Whipps Cross is currently having to look very carefully at how it delivers services in order to make substantial savings
* Waltham Forest Primary Care Trust is involved in meetings with 3 other NE London PCTs to discuss how services can best be delivered in the future across the whole area. This seems a worrying development, because, crucially, nothing is ruled in and nothing ruled out in this exercise. Not surprisingly, all this has led to many rumours and concerns about the future of Whipps Cross.
* the planned new "state of the art" hospital we have been promised for years is now officially off the agenda - for the time being at least
* because of its financial position, Whipps Cross is currently having to look very carefully at how it delivers services in order to make substantial savings
* Waltham Forest Primary Care Trust is involved in meetings with 3 other NE London PCTs to discuss how services can best be delivered in the future across the whole area. This seems a worrying development, because, crucially, nothing is ruled in and nothing ruled out in this exercise. Not surprisingly, all this has led to many rumours and concerns about the future of Whipps Cross.
Local Liberal Democrat councillors will be monitoring the situation and will speak up for retaining facilities at Whipps Cross in the interests of all the people in Waltham Forest.
# posted by John Beanse @ 6:00 PM 
