My challenge to people in power: show that you care

Published: 13 August, 2010

• THE real setback regarding sustaining our Finsbury Health Centre has been the intransigence of executives of Islington Primary Care Trust board (Real setback in the fight to save historic health centre, August 6). 

One of their arguments was that since the health centre is a grade I-listed building it would cost more to refurbish than the usual unlisted medical facility. Nothing could be further from the truth. Not least because there would be little problem in getting funding for refurbishment for such a world-famous building – provided it retained the function it has continued to serve, namely primary medical care for those in need.

Besides a vigorous campaign by Barb Jacobson and a few committed citizens, there is huge popular support for saving the building. It’s still structurally sound. Remember, it was planned with renovation and expansion in mind.

It simply cannot make sense to get rid of so important an asset with a tradition of excellent service. The managers of health care provision must be closely supervised and made accountable for their actions and lack of action. 

The NHS has been the greatest leveller in this country. It has respected every person’s humanity. Finsbury Health Centre has been the model and exemplar of that service. 

At a bargain rate it could be refurbished. It is located in Pine Street, bordered to the east by a landscaped park with the Underground and buses close by. It’s the ideal walk-in surgery with the entrance free from through traffic. 

Closure of this well-loved building will be a major loss of an established facility serving thousands of local people.

More than ever we need politicians and people in positions of authority who listen to and address the fundamental needs of a community. Here is a challenge: where are the people who care? 

Where are those who have got themselves into a position of power and whose senses are not totally encased by the knitted body armour of self-interest. 

I’m sure there must be more than a few, but can you immediately name more than a number which can be counted on one hand?

ANDREW DA SILVA
Percival Street, EC1