Whittington Hospital

• THE Whittington Hospital’s maternity unit is under threat, (Fresh fight over future of hospital, December 1).

The North Central London (NCL) Start Well consultation will be launched by the NCL Integrated Commissioning Board (ICB) next week.

The consultation contains two options, one of which unfortunately proposes the closure of the maternity unit at the Whittington Hospital in Archway, something that we are fundamentally opposed to.

The maternity unit plays an essential role in the Islington community, providing care and support to families during such a pivotal moment in people’s lives.

Everyone in Islington has their own personal connection to the Whittington and many local people were born there, have given birth there, or both.

The impact of closing the maternity unit would disrupt access to essential health care services, depriving parents of the care and expertise that this unit has consistently given, as well as forcing local people to have to travel much further to access services.

Over the years Islington’s councillors have been involved in several campaigns to save parts of the Whittington Hospital.

This includes a successful campaign in 2010 to save the emergency department and maternity services which featured thousands marching against the plans.

We have no doubt that a proposal to close the Whittington maternity department would gather similar support from local people.

As politicians we completely understand the funding challenges the National Health Service faces right now, and we urge the government to act on this.

But we are clear that the solution to that managing that challenge can’t be to close the Whittington maternity unit.

Join our campaign to save the Whittington maternity unit by visiting https://www.islington-labour.org.uk/whittington-maternity-unit/

CLLR MICHELLINE SAFI NGONGO
Executive Member for Children, Young People and Families

CLLR NURULLAH TURAN
Executive Member for Health and Social Care