Barnet's health watchdog fears controversial proposals to close Edgware Community Hospital's Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) at night could be used as a "political football" in the run up to local elections next year.

Peter Packer, vice-chairman of Barnet Community Health Council (CHC), said: "The immediate reaction from the CHC is that the timing of the consultation is a little naive because of the pending local elections." Speaking at last Thursday's Barnet Primary Care Trust (PCT) board meeting Mr Packer added: "We are very frightened that the issue can be used as a political football which does not bode well for the consultation."

The PCT, which runs the hospital, is consulting until March 1 next year on proposals which would see the UTC closed between 10pm and 7am to save £100,000.

Local elections are on May 2.

Averil Dongworth, chief executive of the PCT, said: "The timing has been thought through. We are not a political organisation. The elections are next May and we will have a decision on this in March."

Hospital bosses say the number of patients using the service will rise to 47,000 a year but at night they have dwindled to just ten.

Hendon MP Andrew Dismore said: "It is not a political issue but people will inevitably try and turn it into one. The real question is: 'What is the best way to try and use doctors' and nurses' time?'

"Is it better to have a service over night which is used by ten people or is it better to use medical staff to support the day time service?"

To voice your opinions on the proposals email anita.grabarz@beh.nhs.uk or attend the public meeting at the Sangam Centre in Burnt Oak Broadway at 7pm on January 9.

December 5, 2001 11:08

IAN LLOYD