I am concerned about the delay (now over five years) in the development of a vital facility on the Putney hospital site.

The considerable cost of this delay well over £1.5million has been borne by we the taxpayers.

Wandsworth Primary Care Trust (PCT) is right to improve GP and related primary care services such as nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, chiropody, immunisation, family planning and day surgery.

However, the health authorities have taken much too long to bring this about.

The latest option being considered by PCT is a scaled down plan for a health centre on the Putney hospital site.

Also, there is the possibility of a deal with a private sector firm that would mean this facility would only be guaranteed for a limited number of years.

It is unfortunate that a more central Putney location has not been found, but it would not be right to have a further delay to seek to find another location.

However, I am pleased that the PCT is working with Transport for London to ensure easy access for people from all parts of Putney to this health centre.

I would urge local people to join me in pressing for the right sized facility that can properly accommodate all the various health and ancillary services, that will have an enduring lifespan and good access for all people living in the area.

Jeremy Ambache

Liberal Democrat prospective parliamentary candidate for Putney

Published in WBN - Thursday 17th February 2005