One of our local newspapers has written an article saying that Chettle Court in Ridge Road will be the furthest point in Haringey from an A&E, if the Whittington closes. According to the Hornsey Journal the journey to an A&E from Ridge Road will double from 2 miles to 4 miles, and they have interviewed a range of Chettle Court residents to get their views.
This news should strengthen Stroud Green residents resolve to fight these A&E cuts. At Monday’s Full Council meeting we made the Whittington A&E the topic of our opposition business. We argued for decision-making in the NHS to be more open, democratic and accountable, as it is completely unclear to local residents who is making these proposals to close our A&E.
Later on in the meeting I managed to speak on the Whittington and challenged the Labour councillors who say they are against the cut to put that message to the Labour Health Ministers who are ultimately responsible. Our local Labour politicians are in a difficult situation on this – they try to take the credit for any good news stories about the NHS (such as the new health centre on the Hornsey Hospital site), but say its nothing to do with them when cuts are proposed. They can’t have it both ways. Residents in places like Chettle Court deserve better.