Commission warns cost saving measures in North West London ‘deeply flawed’

Mansfield led the Independent Healthcare Commission for North West London in a review of the ‘Shaping a Healthier Future' (SaHF) plan, which sought to save money in anticipation of NHS cuts that have not come to fruition.

The report warned that proposals in the SaHF plan would end up costing at least £1 billion due to ‘spiralling management and consultancy costs’. Mansfield criticised the closure of the A&E department at Hammersmith and Central Middlesex Hospitals, as well as the decisions to close Ealing maternity unit, which he claims threatens ‘the fundamental principles of a universal NHS’.

The report found that waiting times at other local A&E departments had risen sharply following the closures and said that the reorganisation does not have an ‘up to date business plan’.

The report recommended that the decision to close Ealing maternity unit should be immediately reversed, as well as the reopening of the Central Middlesex Hospital A&E department. Additionally, it advised that the National Audit Office should undertake a review of the programme's value for money and that a new public consultation is needed.

NHS London defended the plan, saying patients now had better access to GPs and a wider range of health services closer to their homes. A spokesperson said: "We now have eleven community hubs open across North West London, which provide a range of health and social care services in one place, closer to people's homes.

"Part of the improvement plan includes additional investment to modernise and increase capacity in our hospitals and community sites."

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