Capital’s healthcare reforms depend on finance and long-term commitment

Responding to Professor Sir Darzi's report London Councils' Executive Member for Health and Adult Services Cllr Stephen Carr said:

 "I welcome Professor Sir Ara Darzi's proposals to improve GP and community care services by grouping them together as polyclinics that can carry out minor operations and provide treatment for chronic illnesses such as heart failure. 

"But to succeed, Professor Darzi's proposals will need investment in local health care and a long term commitment to meeting the needs of each community

"London Councils is concerned that NHS in London is not as effective as it should be in meeting the needs of each community. Too many people find it hard to reach their GP, to secure the services of an NHS dentist or get local treatment for minor complaints. 

"London residents need a health plan to address the very specific health challenges of their city. One in four Londoners are dissatisfied with the NHS - higher than anywhere else in England, and the capital's citizens are 40 per cent more likely to use accident and emergency departments than anyone else in the country.

"More specialised units for the treatment of strokes are desperately needed to ensure all Londoners have quick access to life saving treatments and pregnant women should have more choice on where to have their babies.

"This report includes actions to bridge major gaps in access to quality care across the city and to improve home care to enable more patients to be cared for in their community. "London Councils sees an opportunity to strengthen local accountability that is critical in ensuring that these important proposals happen quickly."