Modernising community health services in Croydon

Proposals for two major building developments for community health services for children and adults in Croydon are being drawn up by Croydon Primary Care Trust (PCT) and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM).

We plan to develop new, high-quality healthcare facilities on two sites:

-  The former Croydon General Hospital site, London Road, West Croydon

-  The Oaks, 843 London Road, Thornton Heath

One will be a new, dedicated children’s development centre to provide services for children with disabilities and mental health services for children and adolescents.  This would bring onto one site services that are currently provided in cramped, out-of-date accommodation at the Crystal Centre, Lennard Lodge, 78 London Road and Morland Road Clinic.

The other will be a new, fit-for-purpose community rehabilitation and therapy centre for adults.  This would incorporate services currently provided at Broad Green Centre and the community mental health services provided at Westways.

No decision has been made yet on which centre will be developed on which site.  The building on the Croydon General Hospital site will be alongside Croydon Voluntary Action’s new Flagship resource centre, which will have meeting rooms, a crèche and a community café.

The costs of the developments will be met through the sale of a number of existing healthcare buildings - Crystal Centre, Lennard Lodge, 78 London Road, Morland Road Clinic, Broad Green Centre and Westways - and, in addition, by selling half of the Croydon General Hospital site for development.

The PCT and SLaM have distributed an information sheet widely to service users and carers, members of the public, staff, local councillors and members of Croydon Council's Scrutiny Health Sub-Committee.  Members of the Project Board - which includes a represntative of the Mnetal Health Forum - have also presented the proposals to neighbourhood partnerships and Croydon Primary Care Forum.  Stakeholders, including users of services and staff, took part in a benefits appraisal session at Fairfield Halls in June 2007.

The PCT and SLaM Boards are due to consider the first-stage Outline Business Case in autumn 2007, and a three-month period of formal consultation is planned at that time.

We invite the involvement and views of users of the services and their carers, the public, voluntary and community groups and other local stakeholders.

If you would like a copy of the information sheet or have any views or questions please contact Croydon PCT's Patient Advice Service:

Tel: 020 8274 6333

Email: pals@croydonpct.nhs.uk