NEWS - 12th December 2006 KATE WILKINSON MEETS WITH HEALTH MINISTER
On Monday 12th December, Kate Wilkinson particpated in a high level delegation of MPs, and local councillors to meet with Health Minister Lord Warner at the Houses of Parliament. The meeting was facilitated by Enfield North MP Joan Ryan. It is in a series of meetings with high level decision makers. Save Chase Farm campaigners feel that pressure has to be kept up at every level from local, to regional and central government level.
NEWS - 30th November 2006 PLANNING COMMITTEE REJECTS HOUSING APPLICATION!!!
Enfield Council Planning committee last night unanimously rejected an application to move ahead with a development consisting of predominantly private housing on the site of Chase Farm hospital. Planning Committee took the view that to make decisions which would involve selling off large chunks of the site prior to the consultation on the clinical future of hospital site would be premature. This decision sends a further loud message to health managers and politicians that they cannot ignore the voices of the people of Enfield and their representatives.
NEWS - 21st November 2006 PLEASE ATTEND THE PLANNING MEETING ON THURS 30th NOV
The planning application to sell off some of the Chase Farm Hospital land to private developers will be heard at the council planning meeting on Thurs 30th November.
Save Chase Farm believe that planning permission should not be granted before the future of the hospital has been decided.
In what we believe is an unprecedented step, we have been informed that members of the public who wish to speak at the planning meeting will be limited to one minute each to make their case. If you feel that this time limit is unfair and undemocratic, please write to John Austin, Borough Secretary, London Borough of Enfield, Civic Centre, Enfield, EN1 3XY. (Please also cc your letter to Mike Rye, Leader of the Council)
The meeting will be open to the public, and we would like as many people to attend as possible. Please come along if you can. Please arrive at the Civic Centre by 7pm - the meeting starts at 7.30pm.
Also, if you would like to speak at the meeting (albeit for one minute only!) then please call Natalie Cole in Democratic Services on 020 8379 4088
NEWS - 5th November 2006 COME AND PROTEST ABOUT THE 'SHAM'CONSULTATION
Despite clear public opposition to the closure of A&E, Maternity and Childrens services at Chase Farm, the reconfiguration panel are pressing ahead with a "Citizens Jury" of 100 people who will be presented with four options, none of which involve retaining all of these services. They will be asked to comment on these options.
The case will be presented to the jury members by the PCT's at a smart London hotel. Groups such as Save Chase Farm and even the impartial Enfield Health Scrutiny Panel will be denied a voice at this event. In effect, the jury will hear the case from the prosecution, but not from the defence.
Is this any way to decide the future of your hospitals?
If you feel that this consultation is a sham, please join a cross-party group who will be protesting outside the Novotel, Euston on Friday 10th November, from 9am.
The Novotel, Euston is on the corner of Euston Road and Ossulston Street. On leaving Kings X station, turn right onto Euston Road and the hotel is about 5 minutes walk. (map) If you work in London then why not come along for a few minutes on your way to work to show your support!
NEWS - 12 October 2006 PLANNING OBJECTION LETTERS STILL REQUIRED! Amended plans have been submitted for the redevelopment of a large portion of the Chase Farm site. (see our News from 5 June below for more details). Objection letters are still being accepted. Please write, quoting Planning Ref: TP 06/0789 to Mr David Snell, Planning Officer, London Borough of Enfield, PO Box 50, Civic Centre, Silver Street, Enfield, EN1 3XA.
NEWS - 9 October 2006 CHESHUNT FOOTBALL CLUB SUPPORT SCF
Cheshunt Football Club have joined the campaign to save Chase Farm Hospital. Chase Farm is the nearest Accident and Emergency to their Theobalds Lane ground. If this facility is closed then the nearest alternatives are Barnet, The North Middlesex in Edmonton or Welwyn Garden Citys QE II Hospital.
The Football Club have been regular customers over the years for Chase Farm, sending youngsters from their many youth teams right up to the current left-back Glen Parry when he was taken by Ambulance three years ago to Chase Farm to see to his fractured leg. Before Saturday's defeat at home to Bath City, the Cheshunt squad lined up to have their photo taken with the 'SAVE CHASE FARM' banner, which is now displayed free of charge behind the goal at Cheshunt Stadium.
Manager Tom Loizou said: "It's a disgrace when any Hospital has to close but when it's the local Hospital we all rely upon when needs arise, it really strikes home. There are plenty of areas in public spending that cutbacks could be made in but the Health service shouldn't be one of them. Cheshunt Football Club needs an Accident and Emergency facility close by and the loss of Chase Farm is a great concern to me and everybody at the Club. That's why we are all 100% behind the campaign to save Chase Farm."
NEWS - 6 October 2006 CONSULTATION? WHAT CONSULTATION?
Enfield, Haringey and Barnet PCT's are due to begin their "public" consultation on the future of Chase Farm, Barnet and North Middlesex hospitals in January 2007.
A list of 10 alternative scenerio's (drawn up by the PCT's) has already been whittled down to 4 shortlisted options, none of which involve a Full A&E, childrens and maternity remaining at Chase Farm. All before the public consultation has begun!
Save Chase Farm feel that the public are not being consulted fully, as none of the options included in the consultation will involve retaining these services at Chase Farm.
Save Chase Farm remains committed to retaining A&E services at Chase Farm, Barnet and North Middlesex hospitals. We feel that anything less would seriously compromise emergency journey times to the nearest A&E.
We need more active campaigners! If you can spare some time, please visit our Act Now page, submit your name to our email list, and leave a comment indicating how you might be able to help.
NEWS - 8 September 2006
It's nearly time for YOU to take some action! This week, the project board for Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Clinical Strategy outlined the process that will be used to consult with the people of Barnet, Enfield, Haringey and southern Herts. From October, any member of the public, as well as local NHS staff and other interested stakeholders will be able to have an input into the process through a website that will allow people to see details of the shortlisted scenarios and take part in the process of helping to choose which scenarios become the final options that are consulted on. Sign up to our email list. Watch this space!
On a lighter note, Save Chase Farm are organising a COMEDY NIGHT with three top comedians, at the Intimate Theatre, Palmers Greenon Monday 16th October. All proceeds raised will help to fund the Save Chase Farm campaign. So why not treat yourself to a fun night out and raise money for a good cause at the same time!
NEWS - 21 August 2006
Save Chase Farm will be running a stall at the Enfield Town Show in the Town Park, Saturday 9th September and Sunday 10th September. Please come down and show your support. Also, if you are able to help for a few hours over that weekend, please email us on info@savechasefarm.co.uk
NEWS - 11 August 2006
Following on from our excellent results in the May 4th Council Elections, Save Chase Farm came fourth in the Turkey Street By-Election on August 10th. We see this as a commendable result, given that the by-election was called at short notice at a time when many families are on holiday. We received significantly more votes than established parties such as the Liberal Democrats and the Green Party. A huge thank-you to all those in Turkey Street ward who voted for us!
NEWS - 26 July 2006
As the result of a recent shake-up, the future of Chase Farm is no longer to be consulted on by Barnet and Chase Farm NHS trust.
Instead, a new consultation process, to be led by Enfield & Harringey Primary Care Trust (PCT) will begin in January 2007.
It is important that the public are aware that the consultation is taking place so that their views can be taken into account.
TURKEY STREET BY-ELECTION on Thurs 10th August 2006
Following the surprise resignation of Conservative councillor Margaret Holt, after only a few weeks in office, a by-election has been called in Turkey Street ward.
Sujal Zaveri is standing as the Save Chase Farm candidate in the by-election, which takes place on Thursday 10th August.
If you can help out in any way, please contact us. Watch out for further announcements on this website.
And if you live in Turkey Street ward, please remember to vote on Thursday 10th August.
NEWS - 5 June 2006
Chase Farm Hospital has submitted a planning application to develop nearly 10 acres of its hospital site into private three and four bed private homes with some element of key worker housing. The deadline for objections is Wednesday 14th June.
Save Chase Farm does not necessarily oppose any development on the site but strongly feel that this should only be considered once the future for the hospital is secure and that any proceeds of the sale get used to the benefit of Enfield residents. We also oppose the reduction of around 60% of the number of key worker homes on the site for doctors and nurses and the additional traffic that such a large area of private development will cause in an already congested area.
If you agree with us and would like to help protect the hospital, we would urge you to please email your objection to the plans to development.control@enfield.gov.uk or post a letter to:
Mr D.J. Snell Planning Officer London Borough of Enfield Civic Centre Silver Street Enfield EN1 3XY
Please ensure that your letter or email includes your own name and postal address.
NEWS - 4 May 2006
SAVE CHASE FARM ELECTED IN CHASE AND TOWN WARDS!!
Two of our nine SAVE CHASE FARM candidates have been elected in the local council elections: Kate Wilkinson has been elected in Chase Ward and Kieran McGregor in Town Ward! And many other SAVE CHASE FARM candidates were runners-up in their wards.
Not only do SAVE CHASE FARM now have representation on the council, but our voters have also sent a clear message to the other parties about the strength of public opinion over the threatened closure of our local A&E.
Many thanks to the 12,456 people who voted SAVE CHASE FARM!
This is only the beginning. Barnet and Chase Farm NHS Trust are expected to announce the start of their consultation soon. Please sign up to our email list if you are able to help SAVE CHASE FARM in any way.
NEWS - 18 April 2006
SAVE Chase Farm are standing in the Local Council elections on Thursday May 4th in the following wards:
Chase - Highlands - Town - Southbury - Grange - Bush Hill Park - Enfield Highway - Turkey Street - Enfield Lock
You have 3 votes on May 4th, but only one chance to SAVE CHASE FARM!
NEWS - 22 February 2006
SAVE Chase Farm has launched its bid to get campaigners elected to Enfield Council.
And we are still seeking candidates who would like to stand with us - on our platform to keep all critical services at the hospital.
All applicants must be prepared to see out the full term in office and engage in all council duties.
If you think you'd like to stand - please email: info@savechasefarm.co.uk - giving your name, contact details and a short covering letter.
SAVE Chase Farm will be demonstrating at a Labour Party dinner on Sunday February 26.
The event - to be attended by David Miliband - Minister of Communities and Local Government - is being held @ Bar Ten, 8-10 Silver Street, Enfield.
Edmonton MP Andy Love is also expected to make an appearance. We intend to ensure both politicians understand the strength of feeling on this issue.
Our demonstration will begin at 6:15. Please join us - and bring your friends.
NEWS - 5 January 2006
PLANS for a public consultation on the proposals have been put on hold until May.
Managers at the hospitals have decided they need more time to complete studies into the feasiblity and impact of downgrading A&E and moving Women's & Childrens' services from Chase Farm.
The move follows a detailed letter from Save Chase Farm, requesting that full information be put into the public domain. This letter is due to be published in the press soon.
