Sutton residents must have their say in the future of our healthcare - Burstow

12.33.36pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 19th Dec 2006

Paul Burstow, MP for Sutton and Cheam, has written to Caroline Taylor, the Chair of a review of the Better Healthcare, Closer to Home project, to demand answers about the future of the project and to call for greater public involvement in decisions about the future of local healthcare.

Mr Burstow wrote to Ms Taylor, the Chief Executive of Sutton and Merton Primary Care Trust, after receiving a document outlining the terms of reference for the review, which will have a pivotal role in deciding the future of local healthcare provision.

Mr Burstow asked Ms Taylor to provide assurances that financial difficulties in London's health economy will not be the "overriding factor in any discussion of the future of the BHCH project." He also called for greater public consultation than is outlined in the current terms of reference for the review.

Mr Burstow, together with the MP for Carshalton and Wallington, Tom Brake, is planning to convene a local health forum, to give local people and interest groups an opportunity to raise their concerns about the future of the NHS in Sutton.

Speaking about his concerns for the future of healthcare in Sutton, Mr Burstow said:

"The Health Secretary, Patricia Hewitt, has already made it clear to me that affordability and funding are key factors behind her calling for the review."

"The lack of scope for consultation with local people is disturbing. It seems that London NHS bosses are trying to scale back the project with as little noise as possible."

"If this review is not to be labelled a whitewash, it is essential that it takes into account the strong public support for St Helier."