Residents shared their views on healthcare services in H&F during the first of a series of health forums.
The neighbourhood health forums are an opportunity for residents to come and tell the council what they think is working well and what needs improvement in local healthcare services.
About 40 people attended the first of the four events, at Clem Attlee Tenants’ Hall last week where they shared their experiences with representatives from Hammersmith & Fulham Council and the local NHS, other providers and patient representative groups.
“It was great to see so many people turn up to discuss a subject which affects everyone and generates so much passion,” said Cllr Sharon Holder, Hammersmith & Fulham Council’s Lead Member for Hospitals and Healthcare, who chaired the forum.
“These forums are a really useful chance for residents to share views on a topic so important to them. We have had some really positive feedback and hope to build on this experience for the forthcoming events.”
The panel of representatives fielded a range of questions from local residents, on topics ranging from booking GP appointments, to use of mental health services and hospital transport.
The next three forums will take place as below:
Fulham south – 4 February, St Matthew’s Church, Wandsworth Bridge Road, SW6 2TZ, 9JU, 7pm-9pm
Shepherds Bush – 18 February, White City Community Centre, India Way, London W12 7HT, 9JU, 6.30pm-8.30pm
Hammersmith – 16 March, Small Hall, Hammersmith Town Hall, King Street, London, W6 9JU, 6.30pm-8.30pm
The health forums were launched following on from H&F Council’s release of the Independent Healthcare Commissionreport, co-authored by Michael Mansfield QC.
The report calls on the NHS to urgently rethink its plans to close acute services at Charing Cross Hospital and elsewhere in west London.
For more information on the health forums and how to attend, contact Nivene Powell on 020 8753 4342, or email nivene.powell@lbhf.gov.uk
