Local MP Nick De Bois is quoted in the online article ‘Health bosses are “bullying” Enfield over hospital plans, says MP’, www.enfieldindenpendent.co.uk, December 2 as saying that “this report tries to bully Enfield into accepting the downgrade of Chase Farm”.

The process for reviewing the BEH Clinical Strategy against the four tests as laid down by the Secretary of State for Health in May is widely recognised as robust and fair.

It has been supported by Londonwide LMC, the professional voice for London’s 6,000 plus GPs, as well as a strategic co-ordination group whose membership reflected the new direction of greater GP leadership and strengthened public engagement in the NHS.

Independent organisation UCL Partners reviewed pro bono all the evidence gathered since July and provided an analysis as to whether the four tests have been met. It concluded that they have been met and that is the recommendation we have sent to NHS London.

Engagement with the local communities across Barnet, Enfield, Haringey and south Hertfordshire has been extensive, despite Mr De Bois’ assertions; and unfortunately neither the Enfield Health Scrutiny Panel, nor the invited attendees to his meeting with Professor Kerr, had the full evidence from which to base their conclusions.

The strategic co-ordination group said that there was overall broad support for the proposals among GPs across Barnet, Enfield, Haringey and south Hertfordshire. In no test amongst Enfield GPs were there more GPs opposed than in favour of any recommendation made.

It is important to note the strategy is strongly supported by all areas affected and there was also broad support from LINks and local MPs in Barnet and Haringey for the strategy to be implemented.

I would like to make it clear that we are not trying to bully anybody; this is absolutely about improving health services for the residents of all three boroughs.

Richard Sumray
Chairman, NHS Haringey
Chair, Strategic Co-ordination Group