Review of proposals to develop new, high-quality major trauma and stroke services for London

This is the Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee's (JHOSC's) final response to Healthcare for London's 'The Shape of Things to Come Developing New, High-quality Major Trauma and Stroke Services for London.'

In 2007/08 for the first time all the London Boroughs came together with a Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (JHOSC) to consider the implications of Lord Darzi's proposals for improving health services in London.

Whilst those proposals were broadly welcomed by the first JHOSC, they were, at that stage, broad principles for the future. Now the NHS has come forward with detailed proposals concerning major trauma and stroke provision. A second JHOSC, comprising all London Boroughs and Essex County Council was formed to consider these proposals.

It is imperative that London is able to ensure that all its residents, over 7 million, are able to enjoy the best treatment available, wherever they live. Scrutiny of these detailed proposals was always going to be a very different exercise from consideration of the general principles. Six lengthy meetings have been held over three months to hear from a range of witnesses, resulting in the following publication.

Also attached is a supplementary report of the Committee: minutes of 'witness' meetings and written submissions to the JHOSC.