Public meeting against polyclinics tomorrow

8:52am Friday 4th July 2008

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As the NHS celebrates its 60th birthday this week, protests mount over Haringey's polyclinic plans.

Angry patients from seven different GP surgeries gathered outside St Ann's Hospital for the fourth Tuesday in a row to protest against plans to reform healthcare in the borough.

Saba Rahi, a patient at Evergreen House Surgery, in Cheshire Road, Wood Green, will be picketing outside the hospital until she is told her surgery will not close or move.

She said: "We are demanding that Haringey Primary Care Trust gives a written guarantee that our GP surgery will not be undermined or forced to close.

"We are inviting all other patients concerned about the threat of closure of their own surgeries to join us."

This week, to celebrate the birth of the NHS, Save Haringey Health Cuts Coalition is urging people to speak up for their services.

A public meeting has been organised by the group for Saturday, from 2pm to 6pm at the Old British Legion, in Tottenham High Road, where health workers, user groups, campaigners, trade unions and residents will be speaking.

Secretary Dave Morris said: "We don't object to additional services, as long as existing neighbourhood-based facilities are protected. We also oppose any threat of privatisation of GPs, clinics or services.

"All patients are welcome to come and join the Tuesday morning protests on behalf of their surgeries - and to join us at our public meeting on Saturday to mark the 60th anniversary of the NHS."

Tottenham MP David Lammy said: "My constituents are raising some real concerns about primary health care in Tottenham and about the development of polyclinics here."

Mr Lammy said he wants more GPs, which he hopes will tackle inequality. He said: "I am clear any changes should be about delivering additional services to some of the most deprived communities in the borough.

"This should not be about making patients travel over greater distances to see a GP if they don't want to. And we must make sure the overall number of GPs rises to tackle health inequality.

"I will be pressing Haringey PCT to ensure residents' and pensioners' concerns are addressed, and that we get a model that provides the best possible care and accessibility, alongside preserving a patient's personal relationship with their doctor."