Council leader welcomes Mayor’s intervention in fight to save children’s cancer care at St George’s Hospital

Wandsworth Council Leader Simon Hogg has welcomed an intervention by the Mayor of London on children’s cancer services in south London.

The Mayor has announced he is to conduct an independent review of the NHS England plans to reconfigure paediatric cancer services in south London. The NHS are choosing between two options for the location of a new Principal Treatment Centre for children’s cancer care: Evelina in central London, and St George’s Hospital in Tooting.

Last month, Council Leader Simon Hogg, along with local MP Dr Rosena Allin-Khan, wrote to the Health Secretary with concerns about services being transferred from St George’s to the Evelina. Their concerns included transport: driving and parking to the Evelina in central London would likely be difficult for families, especially when children have suppressed immunity.

And last week, Councillor Hogg visited St George’s along with the council’s Cabinet Member for Health Graeme Henderson. Their visit focused on the expert care provided by St George’s to children with cancer, and included visits to the paediatric intensive care ward and the hospital’s Clinical Research Facility.

Simon Hogg said: “The Council will continue to fight to save children’s cancer services in our local area.

“I’m pleased that the Mayor is applying an extra level of scrutiny to this vital area of concern. Key issues, such as treatment expertise and transport, have not been given sufficient attention in the NHS process so far.

“NHS England must ensure its consultation is thorough, fair, and prioritises the voices of families affected by children’s cancer.”

And he added: “If you are a Wandsworth family who will be directly affected by these proposals, please get in touch with me at leaders@wandsworth.gov.uk.