Ground breaking review on London’s NHS
by Hammersmith and Fulham Press Office
20/05/2008
Democratically elected councillors representing 35 boroughs from across London and the south east have come together for the first time to offer their views on proposed changes to the NHS in London, including novel, although controversial, plans for 'polyclinics'.
This is an unprecedented event and the first time a joint local authority overview and scrutiny committee has operated on such a scale - representing a population of over seven million Londoners and residents in Essex and Surrey.
The committee was set up to respond to NHS London's report 'Healthcare for London: Consulting the Capital' based on a review by Lord Ara Darzi - now a junior health minister.
If implemented, Lord Darzi's plans would have a major impact on the way health services are provided for Londoners, including the transfer of some hospital services into local communities. The proposals could also lead to more patients with more complex conditions being treated and cared for in a select number of specialist hospitals.
Cllr Mary O'Connor from the London Borough of Hillingdon, Chairman of the joint committee, commented:
"Health services must change to meet the future needs of Londoners. The NHS in London must deliver world class care to all our residents. Services designed for the first 60 years of the NHS will not meet the needs of Londoners in the next 60 years.
"Lord Darzi's vision has much to commend it, but many areas still need much further work before they can become a reality. Professionals working in the NHS and people using our health services must be involved in the planning of the necessary changes.
"Those running London's NHS are privileged to oversee a budget larger than the economy of many countries. On behalf of the joint committee, I say - 'Please don't let London down. Working together, we can deliver health care to our residents of which everyone in this great city can be proud'."
This unprecedented review has:
- included elected councillors from 35 separate local authorities in London and the South East
- involved 15 separate evidence sessions
- heard from 27 high profile expert witnesses e.g. the Royal Colleges
- received written submissions from another 28 professional, official and voluntary organisations.
The joint committee is the only body with statutory powers to represent the views on Londoners in response to NHS London's proposals. The NHS is legally required to respond to its report which was formally handed over on 30 April 2008.
Read the full report:
Joint Overview & Scrutiny Committee (JOSC) to review 'Healthcare for London' (pdf)
