Steve Norris intervenes to save local day hospitals 19/08/03

Steve Norris, candidate for London Mayor, this week wrote to John Newbury-Helps, Chief Executive of Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health Trust and questioned the closure of Canning Crescent and Kate Marsden day hospitals. (Letter at bottom of page)

Steve told Mr. Newbury-Help that the closures would result in Haringey being the only London borough without a day hospital for the those suffering from mental illness and said it would be both "regrettable and regressive" adding "these are important community facilities".

Steve asked Mr. Newbury-Helps to answer the following questions:

1.  What alternative arrangements are in place for the current users following closure on 31st August?

2.  How did you assess demand and usage patterns so as to justify closure?

3.  Who was consulted over the closure proposals and on what basis was that group of consultees selected?

4.  Barbara Roche MP has called for a three month moratorium on the proposals.  Are you willing to accept that proposal?

Steve Norris added:

"I would be very grateful for your early attention to this important matter.  It is simply unacceptable for some of the most vulnerable people in our society and in Haringey in particular to be suffering the bewilderment and anxiety which currently exists in relation to the closure proposals.  I know you will wish to dispel that anxiety as positively as possible."

ENDS.

Letter to BEH Mental Health Trust:

John Newbury Helps Esq

Chief Executive

Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health Trust

Dear Mr. Newbury Helps

Canning Crescent and Kate Marsden Mental Health Day Hospitals

I understand that it is your Authority’s current intention to close the above facilities on 31st August this year.  I am advised that if this were to happen, Haringey would be the only London borough which did not provide a day hospital facility for those suffering from mental illness.  That would clearly be both regrettable and regressive.  These are important community facilities.

My understanding is that closure proposals were only made public in June this year.  From messages that have been passed to my Campaign office it has been asserted that staff have been threatened with disciplinary action if they become involved in protesting the closure.  I trust that you can reassure me that no such threats have been or will be made.  Staff clearly have a proper right to be heard in these circumstances.  Indeed it is equally regrettable that the user groups themselves should bear the brunt of any campaigning.  They are by definition a vulnerable group who ought to be protected as much as possible from any debate as to their futures. 

I would be grateful if you could respond as soon as possible to the following questions:

1.  What alternative arrangements are in place for the current users following closure on 31st August?

2.  How did you assess demand and usage patterns so as to justify closure?

3.  Who was consulted over the closure proposals and on what basis was that group of consultees selected?

4.  Barbara Roche MP has called for a three month moratorium on the proposals.  Are you willing to accept that proposal?

I would be very grateful for your early attention to this important matter.  It is simply unacceptable for some of the most vulnerable people in our society and in Haringey in particular to be suffering the bewilderment and anxiety which currently exists in relation to the closure proposals.  I know you will wish to dispel that anxiety as positively as possible.

Yours sincerely,

STEVEN NORRIS

Candidate for London Mayor