Council leader Simon Hogg heads cross-party campaign to save children’s cancer care at St George’s

He has been joined by town hall leaders from across the region in fighting a decision made by NHS managers in March to axe paediatric cancer services at St George’s and deliver them instead at the Evelina Hospital in central London.

In a letter sent this week to the regional head of NHS England – written by Councillor Hogg and co-signed by six other council leaders representing the three main political parties – health bosses were told the decision is set to be referred up to the Secretary of State for a final determination.

Councillor Hogg writes: “This letter serves to notify you that we are exploring the option of using our call-in powers to refer the decision to locate the South London and South East regions paediatric cancer PTC (primary treatment centre) at the Evelina to the Secretary of State for Health. 

“As you know, we are disappointed by your decision, and we know that the communities we represent feel the same way. We must now consider what the best way forwards is for our communities.”

It continues: “Families have told us that they would be “completely devastated if this change goes ahead,” due to the additional stress of driving into Central London – an issue which we do not believe was adequately reflected in your decision-making business case or the decision-making meeting.” Transport and parking are two areas of particular worry for patients and families and have been a particular focus for the campaign. 

The letter continues: “Further, St George’s Hospital has 25 years of experience delivering cancer care to children, including complex surgery, and this experience cannot be replicated at the Evelina. We struggle to see how the difficulties and complexity associated with trying to replicate the existing services and experience at St George’s, including potentially asking staff to travel between the hospitals, represents better value for patient care and safety or improves the conditions and wellbeing of staff. 

“We are also concerned that the Evelina is a more expensive option and are unsure why value for money is not included in the criteria for the decision which has been made.”

The letter goes on to ask for NHS chiefs to provide the evidence they used to make their decision and concludes: “We would like to take this evidence base into consideration whilst we review the option of referring to the Secretary of State. As ever, we remain committed to an open working relationship with NHS England.”

Speaking after the dispatch of his letter, Councillor Hogg added: “This flawed decision by NHS managers shows that little attention was paid to the families of children with cancer, who have overwhelmingly voiced their opposition to this decision. 

“St George’s has been offering high-quality cancer care to children for the past 25 years. The removal of services there will have a serious knock-on effect on other specialist treatments the hospital provides.
“Our fight to keep children’s cancer care at St George’s will go on. We will continue to press the NHS and government ministers to re-consider their decision and do what is best for families.” 

St George’s supports child patients from across south London, Surrey, Brighton and Hove, East Sussex, Kent and Medway.  

The letter was signed by Councillor Ross Garrod, Leader of Merton Council; Councillor Andreas Kirsch, Leader of Kingston Council; Councillor Gareth Roberts, Leader of Richmond Council; Croydon Mayor Jason Perry; Councillor Tim Oliver, Leader of Surrey County Council and Councillor Ruth Dombey, Leader of Sutton Council.

For more information about Wandsworth’s campaign to save children’s cancer care services at St George’s, please visit https://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/stgeorges