‘Think again’ plea over Finsbury Health Centre sell-off - one last chance to save Grade 1- Listed building

Published: 5 March 2010
by ROISIN GADELRAB

HEALTH chiefs have been given one last chance to save Finsbury Health Centre – or face being reported to Health Secretary Andy Burnham for the second time.

Campaigners are gearing up to picket NHS Islington’s next board meeting, at its headquarters in Goswell Road, where members will once more decide the fate of the iconic Grade I-listed building.

Islington Council’s health scrutiny committee presented the final findings of its investigation into the plans for the health centre, at an Islington town hall meeting on Monday.

The committee hopes to prevent the sale of the 1938 building designed by visionary architect Berthold Lubetkin. It has asked for assurances that services already offered will be retained within the building.

The committee findings will be presented to NHS Islington’s next board meeting on March 25, where members will vote on whether or not to accept them.

Barb Jacobson, of Save Finsbury Health Centre campaign, said: “This gives us a good excuse to picket the PCT. Since the board meets in public, people can attend the meeting, and witness for themselves whether non-execs on the board represent the people of Islington as claimed.”

If, as the committee expects, its findings are rejected by the PCT, they will be sent to Mr Burnham for a decision.

NHS Islington announced the planned closure in February last year, saying the estimated £9 million cost of refurbishment was too high. But the council’s committee maintains the PCT has not proved its case.