Public show opposition to Chase Farm plans at meeting at Kingsmead School

The meeting at Kingsmead School in Southbury Road was organised by Enfield Council to gather views on the future of hospitals in the area, after Health Secretary Andrew Lansley gave campaigners until April 7 to form fresh plans.

Health bosses in Haringey, Enfield, and Barnet have approved plans to dramatically reconfigure services, including moving maternity and children's services away from Chase Farm and removing its 24-hour A&E department.

But the proposals faced considerable opposition from Enfield residents and health professionals.

Kate Wilkinson, of the Save Chase Farm campaign, said consultant-led services must remain at the Chase Farm site.

She said: “We know that the population of Enfield is increasing and those people will need healthcare provision too.

“Let’s put the past arguing behind us – here’s something we can all agree on – and let’s get together to see how we can make this work.”

Her view was supported by Southbury GP Patrick Keating who said Chase Farm should secure foundation status as soon as possible, which would ensure any future sale of the hospital’s land benefits Enfield.

The views expressed at the meeting will be collated by the council and presented to Mr Lansley next month in an effort to get him to reject the health trust’s proposals.

Enfield North MP Nick de Bois thanked people for their contributions and said it was important campaigners remained united.

He said: “I was very pleased that when I was able to lead the delegation it was cross-party.

“But this meeting is about looking forward – and it is in that spirit of unity that we go forward to look at solutions.”

Council leader Doug Taylor said: “The quality of contributions was excellent and compelling.

“The timeframe of four weeks is challenging but we will collate responses and present them to Andrew Lansley.

“He needs to exercise his judgment to make sure that people in Enfield get the care that they pay for.”