Uncertainty over the future of the Urgent Care Nurse Practitioner Service at Mount Vernon Hospital remains a concern amongst residents. This morning, I had a call with Lesley Watts (Chief Executive) and Alan McGlennan (Managing Director) from the Hillingdon Hospitals Trust for an update on their position.
Residents may recall that in my initial conversation with Lesley Watts, I received assurances that there are no immediate plans for closure, but that a necessary review of services across the entirety of the trust was underway. I was very clear that engagement with both staff and the local community should be an integral part of this process, and that no decision should be made without thorough consultation.
I am therefore concerned by what appears to be a lack of clarity and consistency between the information my office initially received and what staff have since been told. This is something I raised in the call this morning, and I am encouraged that Lesley and Alan both recognise the need for transparency and greater engagement with residents, community groups and residents’ associations.
Whilst I am supportive of the ambition to improve the quality of services, particularly at Hillingdon Hospital's A&E Department, this should not be at the expense of access to those vital services that are valued across Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner. I will therefore continue the campaign to save the Urgent Care Service at Mount Vernon and ensure that residents’ voices are heard. My petition remains open, which can be signed here, and residents can also follow developments on my social media channels and via my newsletter.
