Concerns raised over Whittington Hospital sell-off (From Haringey Independent)

'This news has come as a shock to everyone' - Concerns raised over Whittington Hospital sell-off

11:52am Monday 28th January 2013 in News By Bruce Thain

Politicians have raised concerns about proposals to sell off part of the Whittington Hospital site..

The statements come following the announcement that part of The Whittington Hospital, in Magdala Avenue, will be sold off, with inpatient wards closed and the maternity unit scaled back.

Liberal Democrats in Haringey have raised concerns about the proposed closure and cuts at the hospital, which serves a large number of people living in the borough.

Councillor David Winskill said: “There has been a huge failure of communication between the Whittington Board and the public.

“This news has come as a shock to everyone, and without a proper advance briefing and consultation, we are fearing the worst.

“At Chase Farm, residents were promised alternative services to support closures, yet they still haven't materialised.

“This cannot be allowed to happen at the Whittington. Alternative, and improved, services must be in place before any closures or land sell-offs.”

Lib Dem MP for Hornsey and Wood Green Lynne Featherstone said: “I want to be clear and state that I actively oppose any loss of services currently provided at the Whittington without an equal or better replacement being provided to local residents.

“After speaking with the chief executive on Friday and seeing the estate strategy, it is evident that the board is planning to improve services through an estate rationalisation.

“I of course welcome an improvement in services – but nothing must go before new services are in place.

"I will be watching very closely to ensure that this happens, and that residents always have access to the treatment they need.”

The Whittington Health Trust says over the next five year there will be investment of £10 million on maternity services, £2.9 million on a new assessment centre for those who do not require hospital admission and £1.9 million investment in a new education centre.