Local councils must be central to the development of the NHS in London 

Any changes to the way the NHS is organised in London must only be carried out following close and careful consultation with the capital's local authorities - that's the call from London Councils.

It follows discussions between NHS London chief executive Ruth Carnall and borough leaders on options that are currently being developed for the future working of primary care trusts (PCTs) in the capital.

All boroughs are committed to working with their local PCT to deliver better health and social care for all their residents. However, concerns have been expressed that local PCTs could be merged, or that structural changes could be carried out by NHS London, with little consideration of the views of local community leaders.

In London, health services are generally delivered by PCTs on a borough by borough basis, making it easy for boroughs and the health service to work together to deliver and develop the services needed by residents. This system also makes it easy for everyone to understand how different providers of health and social care work together.

Boroughs are keen to work with PCTs and NHS London to address the future challenges of commissioning the health and social care services that Londoners need. But borough leaders want to be properly consulted on any options being discussed.

London Councils' Chairman Councillor Merrick Cockell said:

"London's local authority leaders are committed to working with the NHS to meet the health and social care needs of all our communities. We recognise the importance of strengthening commissioning arrangements across London - particularly around acute care. But the fundamental link between a borough and its local PCT is vital.

"Our communities would not accept mergers or dramatic changes to operational structures that were introduced without proper consultation with local councils - their elected representatives.

"NHS London must work closely with individual boroughs and London Councils to put in place the best structures both for local people and the capital as a whole."

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