Nelson Hospital

Since his election last year, Stephen Hammond has been consistently campaigning to ensure the Nelson Hospital becomes a local care centre with all the best facilities for Wimbledon’s residents. Stephen believes that the Nelson should have day surgery facilities, a minor injuries clinic and the full range of diagnostic, day care and out patient facilities.

Last December Patricia Hewitt, Secretary of State for Health, stopped the progress of the BHCH (Better Healthcare Closer to Home) programme by deciding to review where the critical care hospital should be built. In August she realised that her decision would contravene local planning regulations. However, she then asked NHS London to review the whole process. This could delay further the building of a new local care centre at the Nelson and possibly alter what is on this site.

Speaking up for Wimbledon, Stephen said, “This is scandalous; first Patricia Hewitt delayed the process by her unnecessary review of the critical care siting. And now she has delayed the whole process further by asking for yet another review to be undertaken. This is wholly unnecessary; there has already been extensive consultation with the local health care partners, local councils and local people. Wimbledon wants and deserves a top class local care centre and Mrs Hewitt should not have interfered.

“I have written to the Chief Executive of NHS London, David Nicholson, telling him that a review is unnecessary and unwanted. I have asked him to tell local residents what else he needs to consult on and when this will be finished if a review is undertaken. I have also met Caroline Taylor, Chief Executive of Merton Sutton PCT, to state my opposition to this delay and to express exactly what Wimbledon residents want to see at their local Nelson Hospital. ”

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