Repairs or better care?

Published: 17 September, 2010

• YOUR article about the future of Finsbury Health Centre (Saved! Health centre set to remain open, September 3) made incorrect reference to the replacement centre in Holloway; this building has in fact been open and in operation since December 2009.  

The facility referred to in the article as an “alternative provider” was the proposed South Islington Neighbourhood Health Centre. This development has been put on hold while financial arrangements within the NHS, in the light of the recent White Paper, are further established.  

Finsbury Health Centre needs structural work and external repairs, as well as significant internal changes to meet current NHS Estate Code standards. 

The historic importance of the health centre means it is grade I-listed. Such buildings are always more expensive to refurbish and maintain. Any changes or repairs have to be approved by Islington Council and be made using original materials or materials which match those originally used 70 years ago.  

The high costs associated with refurbishing this grade I-listed building are prohibitively expensive for us when this money could be better spent on improving patient care.

We will, however, continue to work closely with the council, English Heritage and local stakeholders to help preserve the heritage of the building when determining the future of the health centre. 

Following the most recent health and wellbeing review committee meeting, we will work with the council to see if there are other options, such as charitable funding, for the refurbishment work. 

We are working extremely hard to ensure the best future for the health centre and would hope the Tribune will support us in this process.
Tony Hoolaghan 
Associate director, transforming primary care
NHS Islington