Patients will need to have patience where the on-going development of Edgware Community Hospital is concerned.

That was the overriding message following a recent press conference held at the General Hospital.

Leading representatives including chairman of the Community Health Council Elizabeth Manero, Hendon MP Andrew Dismore, GP Dr Nagpaul and Hands Off Our Hospitals chairman Stan Davison, attended the event to discuss the progress being made at the hospital since its change of status last Autumn.

The delayed erection of a new sign for the Urgent Treatment Centre came under attack from Mrs Manero, who said: "It took God knows how long to get the sign up and when it was put up it wasn't that good anyway.

"We do need to do something about it."

But it was not all bad news. Mrs Manero praised the new birthing centre which has brought 80 babies into the world. And chairman of the Hands Off Our Hospitals Campaign announced a change of name to the New Edgware Hospital Campaign.

Mr Davison said: "The change of name is because there is now a change of emphasis. Delays cannot afford to happen if we are going to gain confidence in the people. I have a great fear that we could lose a great hospital only to get a mediocre one."

The contentious issue of land sale was briefly discussed but as yet no decisions have been made.

Mr Davison said: "It would be wrong to think that everyone on this table will agree on everything. There are difficult issues to look at like the land sale -- how much to sell and for how much -- it is a very controversial issue."

A supporters' meeting for The New Edgware Hospital Campaign will be held on May 20 at 8pm at Woodcroft Hall, Watling Avenue, Burnt Oak.

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