The future of health in London
by Hammersmith and Fulham Press Office
24/01/2008
Setting an historic precedent, councillors from every local authority in London have come together to consider proposals for the future of the capital's health services. These could mean a new look for local hospitals.
The biggest ever Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee (JOSC) is scrutinising Lord Darzi's report `Healthcare for London – A Framework for Action'. This sets out a vision for how London's healthcare needs to change over the next decade.
The pan-London committee - which also includes councillors from counties surrounding London - will be examining and scrutinising the manner in which the NHS is consulting the public on the proposals.
Over the next three months the JOSC will be hearing from and questioning a wide range of national and local organisations and individuals, to help it come up with a set of recommendations to present to Health Service bosses.
Cllr Peter Tobias, Chairman of Hammersmith & Fulham’s Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee, represents the borough on the JOSC. He said: “The JOSC will provide an excellent forum and platform for all of the local authorities in London to influence the way healthcare in the capital is structured over the coming years. I look forward to working on behalf of the residents of Hammersmith & Fulham and representing their interests and concerns on this very important topic.”
Upcoming meetings of the JOSC are to be held on:
o 22nd February 2008 at London Borough of Tower Hamlets
o 14th March 2008 (venue to be confirmed)
o 28th March 2008 (venue to be confirmed)
o 25th April 2008 at Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea
At a separate meeting, the Health and Adult Social Care Scrutinty Committee will receive a presentation from Hammersmith & Fulham Primary Care Trust. This meeting will take place at Hammersmith Town Hall, King Street, on Tuesday 26 February at 7pm. It is open to the public and all are welcome.
