WebWatch N8

Whittington Charity Quiz night - poster

Poster for Quiz night

END of the NHS?

The Health & Social Care Bill

PUBLIC MEETING
Thursday February 17th
8 – 10 at Muswell Hill Centre*

Nicolas Rea (House of Lords)
Nicolas has wide-ranging professional healthcare experience both at home & abroad.  He is also a retired GP.

Jonathon Tomlinson
Jonathon is a GP practising in Hackney.

Implications of the Bill as they affect us will be examined & discussed.

*Muswell Hill Centre, Hillfield Park, N10 3QJ   (to be found at the lower end of public car-park behind Marks & Spencer’s, Muswell Hill Broadway.

Better Local Healthcare Campaign : [apologies corrected date]

The Health & Social Care Bill:  what does it mean for our healthcare? Is it the ‘End of the NHS’ ?

Local public meeting in Muswell Hill called by Better Local Healthcare Campaign (BLHC) 

Lord Nick Rea will speak;  others are expected who will inform and lead the discussion.

Thursday February 17^th 8pm – 10pm

Muswell Hill Centre, Hillfield Park, N10

This can be found at the lower end of the public car-park behind Marks & Spencer's, Muswell Hill Broadway.

Contact: Janet Shapiro janet.rmshapiro@btopenworld.com
020 8883 9571

BLHC is part of Defend Haringey Health Services (DHHS)

Lesley Garret fund raising event

View this photo

Popular soprano Lesley Garrett is headlining our fundraising concert on Tuesday 7 December, 7.30pm at Kings Place in Islington, along with other great acts including All Angels, Eschoir, Ann Miller and Stephen King.

 

It is a varied programme with something for everyone, from pieces including Bach's 'Alleluia', 'Nessun Dorma' and 'You'll Never Walk Alone' to carols, 'Climb Every Mountain' and the Welsh male voice choir's Michael Jackson Medley!

 

Would be great to see you there!

 

Tickets £40 available from www.kingsplace.co.uk/music/lesleygarrett

 

Marjorie Isabelle
Fundraising Manager
The Whittington Hospital Charitable Fund
Magdala Avenue
London N19 5NF

 

NHS cuts in Haringey - just so you are aware

Ham & High Broadway - Thursday, 25 November, 2010

DRASTIC health cuts to claw back a £33million overspend could spell a complete end to IVF in Haringey, closures of stroke and trauma centres and the slashing of vital procedures.

NHS Haringey says it needs to reduce its overspend by £8million by March 2011 and has drafted a list of more than 20 schemes which could be cut or totally axed, to save about £2million. But this could also create a postcode lottery for residents.

Plans include stopping all IVF, reducing Caesareans by five per cent, slashing mental health funding, closing elderly people’s services, such as the stroke club, and axing all homeopathy services.

The document also suggests not reinstating the walk-in centre suspended at Hornsey Health Centre, leaving out-of-hours care in the hands of private contractors and closing the Greentrees ward at St Ann’s Hospital.

More than 20 treatment options could also be added to the “non-priority procedures” list meaning they would only be undertaken in extreme circumstances. This includes cataract surgery.

The announcement comes as 3,000 NHS workers across London discovered they are to lose their jobs by April 2011.

Unison London’s head of health Chris Remington says staff have been told they will be put on 90-day statutory consultation on redundancy – meaning many workers could receive redundancy notices on Christmas Eve.

NHS Haringey board members were due to decide yesterday whether to implement all or some of the proposed cuts.

Jacki Davenport conceived her 13-month-old daughter Genevieve after receiving the one course of IVF treatment currently allowed by NHS Haringey.

NICE guidelines recommend that women are allowed three courses of IVF. Those just miles away in Hackney, Tower Hamlets and various boroughs receive the full three. Those in Camden and Islington get two.

Now Haringey women are set to be told they will have no chance of conceiving a child via IVF.

She said: “I think it’s appalling. Ultimately they are deciding who gets to have a child and ultimately it’s the rich people who can afford private healthcare. We know across all postcodes there are inequalities for cancer drugs and all sorts of really important procedures. But if you have a problem conceiving, it’s just as emotionally distressing not to be able to have a family. I’m incredibly grateful I’ve got a daughter because we were lucky to get that one chance. If I never had that chance I would always wonder what if?”

Haringey would be one of only eight health trusts of 152 nationwide not to offer IVF.

Haringey Local Involvement Network (LINk) chairwoman Helena Kania said all the cuts would increase health inequalities. “Many of these proposals will hit the people who are already at the worst end of health inequalities,” she said.

Other methods of saving money, such as discharging people quicker, would be utilised to make up the other £6million needed by April. This could result in Haringey Council being left to care for people leaving hospital too early.

A NHS Haringey spokesman said: “All parts of the NHS, including NHS Haringey, have been told by the government to make efficiency savings. Although these changes are needed to help us reduce our costs and balance our budget, we will, of course, look carefully at any potential impact on clinical services and patient outcomes. NHS Haringey will carry out the appropriate discussions with key groups before any final decisions are taken.”

Report of (21/11/2010) NHS meeting - minuted by Janet Shapiro

Imogen Pennell chaired the meeting. She stressed the seriousness of
the situation. A small group of local residents had called this meeting
because of the dangers posed by the NHS White Paper.

In spite of a clash with an important full council meeting at the Civic
Centre, over 40 people came out on a very cold evening; some had
come directly from a picket protesting against local authority cuts.

Professor (hons) Colin Leys reminded us how thankful people were when the NHS was launched, what a difference it had made to their lives, truly a ‘Freedom from Fear’. He referred to the parlous situation in USA, where health insurers profit by denying treatments. Opening up the NHS to market forces was likened to the government driving us all towards a cliff, the abyss before us; instead of health professionals demanding a change of direction they complain ‘Don’t drive so fast!’

Wendy Savage, using Powerpoint gave an overview of the relentless erosion of public control of the NHS, with increasing influence of private interests. Parliament had only introduced Foundation Trusts on a very narrow margin, yet these would now be set free to virtually privatise our hospitals. The provider/commissioning split had been introduced by Ken Clarke in 1989, a costly method of management. The internal market introduces invoicing and billing that is costing our NHS up to 20% of its budget. Take these away and we make instant efficiency savings - £10
billion a year.
As to the proposal for GP consortia to take over NHS budgets, PCTs have 140 statutory responsibilities, how can 153 GP consortia deliver

PRINTED BY: Better Local Healthcare Campaign
BLHC Membership Co-ordinator: janet.rmshapiro@btopenworld.com
J Shapiro 30a Connaught Gdns, N10 3LB

BLHC and other campaign groups across Haringey are part of ‘Defend Haringey’s Health Services’
these? Also the Financial Times Survey found that 75% of GPs do not want this new duty. The new arrangements remove targets, already worsening service delivery; new methods of monitoring performance are untried. One of those companies getting contracts, United Healthcare, has recently been fined for corruption.

Dr Kim Holt gave a moving personal account of how her career as a consultant paediatrician had been turned upside down by her efforts to safeguard quality, to do her job properly. She had been appointed
by Great Ormond Street Hospital at St Ann’s Hospital children’s clinic specifically to establish a robust system for Child Protection following the Victoria Climbie tragedy. When working practice, record keeping and monitoring at the clinic continued to be inadequate, a group of doctors alerted management – finally in writing. This was before Baby P was examined at the clinic. Kim described the long saga that had deprived her of her own position, and now even threatens the careers of those
who support her.

The background of the campaign group Better Local Healthcare Campaign was described by Janet Shapiro, with pictures of past campaigns. She urged everyone to get letters sent to MPs councillors, GPs, in order to pass on information and to build an effective opposition to the NHS White Paper. Local problems are arising, particularly funding cuts being considered by NHS Haringey at their Board meeting on Wednesday 24th.

Many others made contributions and it is hoped that our campaign will get stronger. Group members will meet on December 7th at 7.30, venue to be confirmed. Anyone wanting to help is welcome to join us.

AGENDA 7.45 – 9.45pm

Introductions: chair Imogen Pennell

Why the meeting has been called; Introduction of the speakers who will explain what is happening and the problems facing the NHS.

Speakers: What’s happening.

Colin Leys

Colin Leys is an honorary professor at Goldsmiths College London. He has
written extensively on market-driven politics, and on the NHS with Allyson

PRINTED BY: Better Local Healthcare Campaign
BLHC Membership Co-ordinator: janet.rmshapiro@btopenworld.com
J Shapiro 30a Connaught Gdns, N10 3LB

BLHC and other campaign groups across Haringey are part of ‘Defend Haringey’s Health Services’
Pollock and others.

Wendy Savage

Distinguished gynaecologist, early champion for women’s rights in childbirth and fertility, author and former BMA Council and General Medical Council member; founder member and co-chair of Keep Our NHS Public (KONP)

Kim Holt

Dr Kim Holt Consultant Paediatrican CCH employed by GOSH as part of the new team in 2004 recruited to develop the service at St Ann’s in the aftermath of Victoria Climbie.

Do give us clear contact details if you want to be kept informed.
Do let us know if you can help.
Please make a donation towards costs.

CUTS & MORE NHS CUTS

JOIN THE PROTEST RALLY AT THE CIVIC CENTRE
MONDAY 22nd NOVEMBER
6.30pm - Rally outside the full Council meeting, Civic Centre, N22
Bring friends, workmates and neighbours – and your own placards and banners. Please try to ensure your local group or organisation is there.

The Government is threatening Haringey with over £100m cuts in the next 3 years (over £50m in the coming year) to our libraries, schools, health services, youth centres, community centres and facilities, green spaces, public service jobs, voluntary projects, welfare benefits, housing rights and much much more...  In addition £17m of money promised from central government has already been axed or frozen.

The Haringey Alliance for Public Services has already held rallies and a 250-strong demonstration to show that people do not have to accept these cuts. Together we can defend our vital public services from cuts, closures and privatisation threats! The full Council will be meeting on the 22nd November to discuss what to do. Councillors must demand adequate government funding, reject privatisation, oppose and refuse to implement cuts – or stand down.

Stop press…Public meeting after the rally: 'Defend the NHS - don't let it be torn apart'  Mon 22nd Nov, 7.45pm, Middle Lane Methodist Church, N8 8NT. Organised by the Better Local Healthcare Campaign.


CUTS: Unfair, unacceptable and unnecessary

Good public services, and a universal welfare system, are central to what's good about Haringey and our lives. We all need good health care, schools and nurseries, community centres, well-run parks and libraries, social services, affordable housing, safe and attractive neighbourhoods, decent jobs, and an adequate and reliable income for unwaged people. Previous generations fought hard to win such improvements.

Devastating – and unjustifiable

The Council estimates it will have to make up to £100m cuts over the next 3 years, and the NHS faces similar threats. If not countered, the cuts will be devastating for all our local communities, for those working in the local public sector and other jobs, for many vital public, voluntary and community projects, services and facilities – and for the most vulnerable, including those reliant on housing and incapacity benefits.

All in it together?

This is a wealthy country, but the Government has chosen to take away £billions of public funds from essential public services whilst propping up greedy and irresponsible banks with public money. According to the Sunday Times 'Rich List' the richest 1,000 people in the UK have a combined hoard of £330billion just for themselves. Annual corporate tax evasion is estimated at over £100billion. Enough is enough. Our public services are entitled to adequate resources and improvements!

Doing nothing is not an option

Recently the Government backed down after 5,000 people marched to save the Whittington Hospital. Many others have started to object and protest about proposed cuts affecting their services and jobs. Alliances and campaigns are springing into action all over the country - other countries facing the same threats have already seen mass strikes and millions protesting on the streets. Doing nothing is not an option...

What can we do together?

Together we can reverse the cuts programme if we take action and say NO. We call on all Haringey's residents, community groups, workers, and trades unions to link
together and stand up for what's right. We call on Councillors to reject privatisation, oppose all cuts and refuse to implement them – or resign.

The Haringey Alliance for Public Services (HAPS) is a network of community and residents groups, trades unions and political organisations, and many concerned individuals. It is open to all those living or working in Haringey. We support opposition to the running down, closure or privatisation of any local public services, and support campaigning for improvements. We promote communication and co-ordination, mutual aid and solidarity among all those affected. Why not get involved?

Contact us:  To receive updates or to get involved, visit: www.hapsnews.net

 

Whittington's October LINK

Download LINK Extra - October 10-1

Great Highgate 5k Fun Run!!

Get fit and have fun this Sunday

 

Sunday 26 September, 11am

 

Walk, jog, run or even pram your way around the lovely 5k Hampstead Heath route, passing the Ponds and Kenwood House on the way! All in aid of the Whittington's Care of Older People appeal.

 

Football manager Avram Grant will be starting the proceedings and all participants receive a goody bag.

 

Cost of entry:

Adult - £15

Under 16's - £8

Family of upto 5 - £40

Click on www.whittington.nhs.uk/funrun

 

for more information and to register

Call: Marje on 020 7288 5641

On the day: Come to Highgate Society, 10a South Grove, N6 6BS between 9.30-10.40am to register on the day.

Watch Whittington 'efficiencies'

Dear Everyone,

We had a successful public meeting [press report below] where Stephen Conroy told us that they are no plans at the moment to close the A and E ,etc at the Whittington. So a bit of a victory at the moment. However there are definite plans to close the A and E, paediatrics and maternity at Chase Farm and merge them with Barnet General and North Middlesex Hospitals.

There are also efficiency savings on the offing and the impact of what is currently the White paper on Health which will have a devastating impact on the NHS across the board.

Dates for your diaries:
Wednesday 22nd September    Annual Public Meeting of Whittington NHS Trust, Undergraduate Lecture Theatre, Whittington Hospital, 6.00pm
Wednesday 30th September    Whittington Governors Meeting where they want to talk to the public 6.30pm in the Whittington Canteen
Monday 11th October            Keep Our NHS Public Meeting with Frank Dobson, MP,  Caroline Lucas MP, Gail Cartmail, Unite, Dot Gibson, National Pensioners, John Lister, Health Emergency, Wendy Savage, Keep Our NHS Public and John Lipetz, Keep Our NHS Public  6.00 pm

Best wishes
Shirley Franklin, Chair - Defend the Whittington Hospital Coalition
www.dwhc.org.uk

 

Call to be 'watchful' over future plans for Whittington Hospital

Haringey Independent - Friday 17th September 2010


POLITICIANS and activists last night warned Haringey residents to stay vigilant over lingering threats to services at The Whittington Hospital

 

.

North London health chiefs announced this week they were dropping the seven options laid out in the Case for Change document, which could have seen the Archway hospital lose its accident and emergency department.

Stephen Conroy, director of communications for North Central London NHS, confirmed the decision at a public meeting last night, but activists expressed concern that the plans may re-emerge in the future.

Councillor Martin Klute, who chairs Islington Council's health and wellbeing review committee, told the meeting the uncertainty across the NHS has left the door open for the changes to return.

He said: “Government proposals at the moment are disorganised and ill-thought out, no timescales, and a lot of delay.

“With the current state of things, no one really knows what's going on. Goodness knows when we will have any firm plans in place."

Cllr Klute cited a quote from the health trusts describing the Case for Change as “robust” and saying the plans could “evolve” to fit in with Government policy in the future.

He said: “(The Case for Change) is being given continued credibility and the review published on August 11 clearly supports it.

“I think we have to watch that situation and need to be very watchful.”

Mr Conroy tried to ease fears by insisting the seven options were no longer being considered, after Health Secretary Andrew Lansley stepped in and told health bosses to think again, and said any future changes would be based on services rather than which buildings they were delivered in.

He added: “There are no options on the table being planned in secret, and no plans under the table to talk about changes.”

But Monica Schwartz, who spoke on behalf of the voluntary sector in Haringey, Islington, Camden and Enfield, urged hospital users to take the news with caution and said when plans for the NHS are rolled out this autumn, it is important to have local perspective on the impact.

The future of The Whittington has been a long-term concern for patients in Haringey, as well as Islington and Camden, and a large-scale campaign was launched to oppose plans to axe A&E.

The campaign has declared victory for the moment after this week's decision, but meetings are due to continue to monitor developments.

Last night's meeting, organised by Islington MP Jeremy Corbyn at Archway Methodist Church, was the first since the news that the Case for Change had been shelved, but it was clear it would be some time before the long-term future of services at The Whittington Hospital would been absolutely guaranteed.