Local health plans could be held up to fit in with Darzi NHS vision, MPs told

12.00.00am GMT Thu 1st Nov 2007

Local MPs Paul Burstow and Tom Brake met with NHS London Boss, Ruth Carnall, last week they learned that the local plans known as Better Healthcare Closer to Home could be held up to fit into a wider review of how South West London fits into Health Minister, Lord Darzi's vision for the NHS.

The MPs called the meeting to press for the case for investment at St Helier hospital. After a decade of 'dither and delay' by NHS bosses the boroughs MPs believe that local people have lost faith in the NHS delivering a new General Hospital.

Ruth Carnall, the Chief Executive of NHS London, told the MPs that the local NHS had to submit an outline business case for its plans for part refurbish, part new build at St Helier by 8th February. But she also said that NHS London wanted to take the opportunity to make South West London the first Darzi model area.

Commenting after the meeting Paul Burstow, MP for Sutton and Cheam, said: "Its time the NHS pressed ahead with building hospital fit for local people. After a decade of dither and delay local people have lost faith in the NHS ever delivering a new hospital.

"The future of the Sutton hospital site is still in limbo. More work is urgently needed to secure its use for health services."

Tom Brake, MP for Carshalton and Wallington added: "There should be no further delay. Lord Darzi's vision for health services in London should not be allowed to put the brake on this long overdue project.

"Its up to the new team of local senior NHS managers at the PCT and St Helier to restore public confidence by delivering on hospital investment."

ENDS

Notes to editors:

The meeting was called by the MPs to discuss the latest plans for the St Helier and Sutton hospital sites. The plans envisage a part refurbishment, part new build for provide a new local General Hospital, supported by a network of local care centres. The MPs raised concerns about:

- further slippage in the timetable

- the affordability and funding of the proposals

- what work St Helier's A&E would undertaken in the future

- the need for the Sutton hospital site to continue to serve the health needs of local people

- how the local proposals fit in with the London-wide consultation on Lord Darzi's plans