From Michael Mansfield QC
In 2012
the government consulted on proposals to make significant changes to the
healthcare economy of North-West London, set out under the heading “Shaping a
Healthier Future”. This involved the downgrading of several hospitals across
North- West London to “local” hospitals without A&E provision, closure of
acute provision and reduction or downgrading of specific services. It also
promised commitments to investment in capacity of out-of-hospital and community
services in order to offset reductions in acute provision.
Two years
into implementation of “Shaping a Healthier Future”, Brent, Ealing, Hammersmith
& Fulham and Hounslow Councils are keen to review its implementation; in
particular, the impact of reductions to acute provision on the North West
London population, the extent of progress with investment in capacity and
capability of community and out-of-hospital services to meet local needs, and
the extent to which demand for acute services has changed as a result of those
investments.
The North
West London Healthcare Commission was launched on 1 December 2014 by the four
councils to review the impact of the changes to the North West London health
economy, arising from the implementation of “Shaping a Healthier Future”, and
to assess the likely impact of planned future changes. I have been appointed to
chair the Commission and my fellow Commissioners are Dr John Lister and Dr
Stephen Hirst.
In order
to assist us in the task of reviewing the implemented and planned changes, I
invite you to submit written evidence that may assist the Commission in its
consideration of the impact of these changes on patient care in the area. Any
such written evidence should be submitted by Monday 2 February
2015 to Peter Smith,
Clerk to the Commission, at Hammersmith & Fulham Council. Submissions
should be addressed to him at Room 39, Hammersmith Town Hall, London W6 9JU or
sent by email to peter.smith@lbhf.gov.uk. Later submissions will be
forwarded to the Commission but may not be given the same attention as those
received by the deadline.
I look
forward to reading any submission you may wish to make. Yours faithfully
Michael
Mansfield QC
, Chair, North West London Healthcare Commission
