Super clinic is real tonic for the deprived south
Chris Carter HEALTH services in Redbridge have come under the microscope over the past few years. Rumours regularly circulate that King George Hospital is facing the axe – and the latest health move will probably start them up again. The opening of the Loxford polycli
Chris Carter
HEALTH services in Redbridge have come under the microscope over the past few years.
Rumours regularly circulate that King George Hospital is facing the axe - and the latest health move will probably start them up again.
The opening of the Loxford polyclinic by junior health minister Lord Ara Darzi (see page 28&29) is fantastic news for the people of Ilford South.
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The services the super clinic will provide (when it opens properly in June) appear to be extensive and some fear could once again threaten the future of KGH.
Trust bosses assure us that isn't the case and, although it would be dangerous to say "never", I tend to believe the hospital is for the next few years.
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Throughout our campaign two years ago to save King George's accident and emergency department, community services, such as GP surgeries were highlighted as being inadequate.
The Loxford polyclinic answers those questions for people in Ilford South, but clearly the improvements need to be spread throughout the borough.
It must be a step forward for patients to be able to get X-rays and blood tests at their GPs' surgery.
And if it means hospitals will be the port of call only for serious operations and emergencies, that has to be good news.
Let's give credit where it's due - although I wouldn't go so far as trust chief executive Heather O'Meara's biggest fan (see Letters page 10) - the polyclinic offers a real chance to increase life expectancy in a deprived area.
Only a cynic would begrudge them that.
