COUNCILLORS have met with health chiefs to try to reach an agreement over cutbacks at an Edmonton health centre.
Nigel Beverley, NHS Enfield Borough Director, last week outlined plans to axe the weekday walk-in service at the Evergreen Primary Care Centre, in Edmonton.
He told Enfield Council's health scrutiny panel many patients using the walk-in service are already register with a GP in the borough, thus duplicating the service, and he said work is underway to open up the borough's surgeries for longer hours and to make appointments easier to get.
But councillors – unhappy their “hands had been tied” over the issue - demanded a formal 12-week consultation before the changes are enacted.
Mr Beverley refused to carry out a consultation, arguing the changes are not a “significant variation”, but added he was open to further discussion on the matter.
The Enfield Independent understands a meeting between Mr Beverley and councillors took place yesterday to try to reach a compromise.
Councillors have threatened to refer the matter to the secretary of state for health if they remain unhappy.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article