Deal struck with North Middlesex Hospital to retain Enfield Town clinic that had previously been under threat of closure
Enfield Civic Centre and (inset) Enfield Clinics Health Organisation (Echo)
Enfield Council has announced a U-turn on the closure of the borough’s only dedicated sexual health clinic following a huge public outcry.
The council says it has “agreed terms and arrangements in principle” with North Middlesex University Hospital, now being run by Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, for the “continued delivery of sexual health services for the borough’s residents”.
While it cautions that the deal is still subject to the completion of the council’s decision-making process, it signals a reversal of the decision made last autumn that had caused alarm locally, with 3,460 people signing a petition against the closure of The Town Clinic in Burleigh Way.
The clinic is run by Enfield Clinics Health Organisation, a sexual health service provider itself run by North Mid, and is the only dedicated sexual health clinic in the borough. Echo also operates a service within White Lodge Medical Practice in Chase Side.
Services include testing and treatment of sexually transmitted infections, contraception and reproductive health, a young people’s service and support for vulnerable client groups.
The council now says both locations will stay open, in a U-turn on its previous claim that “financial pressures” had forced it to end its contract with North Mid to run Echo and seek cheaper alternatives elsewhere.
Alev Cazimoglu, the council’s cabinet member for health and social care, said: “I am extremely pleased that we have been able to come to a sustainable and deliverable arrangement following lengthy negotiations on sexual health provision in the borough. This new arrangement will see services continuing from the Town Clinic and White Lodge Medical Practice.
“The fruitful outcome of these negotiations demonstrates the commitment of Enfield Council and North Mid to providing a sexual health programme that is accessible and available to all and provides value for money. We will always strive to ensure our residents have access to high-quality and effective health services, with a range of options to support local need.”
Ruby Sampson, a Conservative councillor who had led the opposition group’s calls to save the borough’s existing sexual health services, has cautiously welcomed today’s announcement. She told the Dispatch: “We welcome the news that sexual health services may still be provided in a front-facing building in Enfield Town, however until we have seen the deal and it has been officially signed we can’t comment further.”
The council adds that residents will also have access to sexual health treatment and advice through other existing services, including open access to all sexual health services out of borough, under the Department of Health’s national directive and with local pharmacies and GPs.
In addition, the council will continue to commission the online E-service which has become increasingly popular in recent years.
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