1 week Ago
I am devastated by this decision. I have spent over a year campaigning against this because the most marginalised parents in my constituency will be put at risk by the loss of specialist life-saving services. Having given birth to two children at the Royal Free, I know how life-saving specialist services unavailable at other local hospitals will be impacted.
When I was receiving care in the maternity unit, doctors helped me with gestational diabetes. Staff also told me that the ward is uniquely placed to support those with HIV and those who require interventional radiology. The Royal Free is the only local provider that offers this life-changing treatment, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
I fear that this decision could widen existing health inequalities and put women’s lives at risk in my constituency. MP Tulip Siddiq is devastated at the recommendation to close Royal Free's maternity unit (Image: Submitted) I would like to thank all those who signed my petition against the proposal and contributed to the North Central London Integrated Care Board’s consultation. To read more about the recommendation, visit nclhealthandcare.
org.uk/news/upcoming-decision-on-maternity-and-neonatal-care-in-north-london-will-respond-to-changing-population-needs-and-declining-birth-rate/ Campaigning to protect vital services at the Royal Free has been at the heart of my work as an MP. During the pandemic, I fought to ensure that the closure of the children’s A&E department was only temporary and that it would not receive disastrous spending cuts.
On Christmas Day, I met with dedicated NHS staff to thank them personally for their service. Despite the latest news, I am pleased that the Government is putting record levels of investment to deliver local health protection services. The Camden area will receive £32.
5 million, and Haringey almost £24.5 million. This is the biggest real terms increase in local funding in nearly a decade.
From protecting the maternity unit to children's A&E, I will always fight for the Royal Free and my most vulnerable constituents. I will continue to stand against the ICB’s recommendation..
