A London hospital trust (the North Middlesex University Hospital Trust) are working with a local Healthwatch to bring patients and hospital senior staff into one room to discuss the future of the hospital.
Healthwatch Enfield are running two events which give patients the unique opportunity to meet the hospital Chief Executive and discuss how they think the hospital should develop over the next five years. Patients will be able to engage in discussions directly with the hospital trusts most senior staff, sharing their experiences and priorities for the future.A central issue is whether or not the North Mid Hospital should join the Royal Free London group - it is already a "clinical partner" of the group, which comprises the Royal Free hospital in Hampstead, Chase Farm hospital in Enfield and Barnet hospital.
The North Mid Hospital recognise that “Standing still is not an option for the hospital. It must respond to the changing needs of the local population, and work with the health system across north and central London. It would not be viable for North Mid hospital to do this alone, it is vital that we demonstrate all the various aspects of partnership before any changes take place".
Within 24 hours, almost 40 local people in Enfield and Haringey have signed up to the events to ensure that their voice is heard. This is a unique event which brings patients and senior staff together to work in partnership and co-produce future solutions.