The future of Whipps Cross Hospital - updated

8.00.00am GMT Mon 10th Dec 2007

The uncertainty over the future of our local health services (across the boroughs of Waltham Forest, Redbridge, Havering, Barking & Dagenham) is set to continue, with any prospect of a consultation now receding probably well into the New Year.

Professor Sir George Alberti has concluded in his review of NHS health services in North East London, that "Option 4" would be the best way forward. This would retain Whipps Cross as a District General Hospital with some reduced functions. However, King George's at Goodmayes would cease to be a District General Hospital and become what is described as a "local hospital."

Sir George also concludes that there is still more work to be done before there can be local consultation. He said: "What we did not find was the leadership or the detailed planning that would give me confidence that the NHS was ready to set out on a journey involving major service change. That needs to be put right".

Lib Dem campaigners Winnie Smith & Naheed Qureshi say: "Whilst this is not the final word on the future of Whipps Cross Hospital, the report does give reasons to hope that a full range of services will be kept at the hospital. This is what many of us have been campaigning for over the past year. It is now up to the NHS to address the issues raised so that local consultation can take place and the future of Whipps Cross secured."

Lib Dem campaigners Bob, Naheed and Winnie with hundreds of signatures to save Whipps Cross Hospital

For more detailed information on this story, you may wish to visit Cllr John Beanse's Blogspot at http://www.chingfordandwglibdems.blogspot.com/