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Merlene writes on the state of Health in Hammersmith
April 9, 2010 12:00 PM
By Merlene Emerson in Fulham Chronicle
By Merlene Emerson in Fulham Chronicle
Whilst I feel privileged to represent such a fantastically diverse borough as Hammersmith, its complex economic, social and ethnic mix creates a demanding environment for the delivery of healthcare.
The situation has led to a 'hit and miss' approach in tackling some of the most common but serious conditions - for example, Hammersmith is one of the most successful London boroughs at treating diabetes but one of the worst for heart disease and cancer.
We have an inherent right to a people-centred NHS which is fit for the 21st century. This means putting patients first and changing spending to reflect local priorities. For Hammersmith, this means increasing spending on cancer and heart disease, both currently receiving below the national figure despite having a higher number of early deaths from the disease compared to other boroughs.
Whilst a significant amount of money has been invested in our borough's healthcare in recent years, too much of that has been wasted on bureaucracy rather than invested in front line services. Over recent years, millions have been spent on 'costs related to the PCT'- a murky black-hole which greedily consumes funds which could be spent on personal care.
Our health services must be patient-driven, transparent, reflect local needs and provide value for money - this is the very least that the people of Hammersmith deserve.
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