Lives will be put at risk if Homerton Pathology Lab is moved out of Hackney, says a man whose life was saved by the service.
Lloyd French has twice recovered from life-threatening illnesses thanks to the work of Homerton University Hospital’s path lab, but he now fears that others may not be so fortunate if the NHS proposals to move the lab out of the borough go ahead.
“It saved my life. But if it’s moved out of Homerton people could start dying,” French told the Hackney Post.
“Both my conditions could have been fatal had they not been treated properly. They took the samples and got the results back the same day. It was very efficient.”
“Transporting samples from sites outside the borough would increase the possibility of errors occurring,” he said. “The whole system would grind to a halt and people’s lives will be put at risk because GPs won’t be able to diagnose them effectively.”
The proposals to move Homerton Path Lab out of Hackney are part of the NHS Sustainability and Transformation Plans (STP), a nationwide programme that asks local hospitals to identify areas that could be privatised or outsourced as a way to cut costs.
“[Local hospitals] have been told from ministers down that if they don’t start devolving services then they’ll lose money,” French criticised, referring to the STP.
“I think that could be a major influence on the Trust’s decision regarding the Path Lab.”
The future of the Homerton Path Lab remains unclear after a construction company contracted to extend the current site went bust in June last year. The Trust board has said that it is “considering all options” as to the future of the lab, which include privatisation or outsourcing services as far away as Essex.
Local opposition to a potential move was voiced at a public meeting, organised by Healthwatch Hackney, a local watchdog, at St Joseph’s Hospice in early September. Meanwhile, a petition against privatisation and outsourcing has gained over 2,600 signatures.
Jon Williams, Healthwatch Hackney’s director, said: “Homerton Hospital’s path lab is a quality service valued by Hackney people. It’s unfortunate the hospital cannot proceed with its initial plans to revamp the service. The hospital must listen to the Hackney residents who want an NHS-run local lab.”
Homerton University Hospital Foundation Trust is deliberating over a recommendation on future action from LTS Consulting, which specialises in laboratory performance improvement.
A decision is due on 30 November.
(IMAGE: Tarquin Binary)
