Agenda item

To receive an update from Whittington Health on progress with the reconfiguration of their services within Haringey.

Jonathan Gardner, Director of Strategy and Corporate Affairs at Whittington Health, reported on progress with the reconfiguration of their estates and services in Haringey and, in particular, the move of children’s services to Tynemouth Road Health Centre.  A full consultation had been undertaken on the proposed changes.  Since approval of the changes, the investment for them had increased from £1 million to £1.8 million.  There had been general support for the principle of bringing children’s services together at the Centre but there had also been some concerns raised.  Those responding to the proposals had stated that they wished to be given the opportunity to shape the design of the changes to the Centre.  A range of means had been used to engage with the community and obtain their feedback and their input had been incorporated.  A Changing Places toilet had been recently installed and their suggestions regarding the colour of the waiting areas had been incorporated.

In response to concerns, there would be increased parking facilities for users of the centre, with eight places made available.  Most of these would be for Blue Badge holders.  There would also be additional places available just outside of the centre.  They had encouraged staff to reduce the use of parking spaces by them through promotion of initiatives such as the Cycle to Work scheme and Travelcard loans.  They had also worked with the Council to improve access and a review of pavements nearby was taking place.  They were liaising with the Council on action to address pollution in the area.  Much of this was outside of the direct control of Whittington Health but they were doing what they could through measures such as the use of electric vehicles by district nurses.  The building work at Centre had started and it was likely to be completed early in the new year. 

Panel Members expressed disappointment at the progress report.  A clear, costed plan for parking had been requested as part of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee’s response to the proposals.  In addition, engagement needed to take place with the Council’s Highways Service regarding safe crossings as the roads nearby the Centre were very busy.  There also needed to be a greater commitment to addressing pollution in the area.  Evidence was required that they had listened to those who had responded to the consultation and taken action in response.  The aspiration needed to be for the Centre to be the safest location for children and families to receive services.

Mr Gardner responded that Whittington Health had more than doubled car parking capacity and changed their policy on staff parking.  He was confident that they now had more than enough capacity for patients.  They had tried to engage with the Highways Service regarding crossings and had been told that changes were included in plans for the area.  They would do all that was within their powers to address pollution in the area, including expanding their fleet of electric cars and making buildings net zero.  The engagement and consultation that had taken place regarding the reconfiguration had been praised by local groups of residents and held up as an example for others. 

The Panel requested greater detail in future updates, including clearer evidence of the effectiveness of plans, in order that it could be satisfied that the new arrangements would be of benefit to children and families.  Ms Graham agreed to assist Whittington Health in engaging with relevant Council services.

AGREED:

That a further and detailed update be circulated to Panel Members on completion of the necessary works to Tynemouth Road Health Centre.