麻豆社

There are currently no birthing facilities in the borough, which means expectant mums have to go to Queen's Hospital in neighbouring Havering to give birth.

The PCT actually needs a total 拢8 million for the new services, leaving a shortfall of 拢3 million, and have听 proposed selling听 off land at the front of the hospital to get the funds.

But there鈥檚 been growing concern about the long term implications of this sale.

Local Concern
Longbridge ward Councillor Rocky Gill says selling the land will leave no room for expansion as the local population grows.

In fact, he fears that eventually the entire hospital will be sold to developers:

鈥淲e sold off nearly half of the land 10 years ago 鈥� If we sell off this, I would imagine in 5-10 years鈥� time they'll sell off rest of the Barking Hospital site.鈥�

She told 麻豆社 London鈥檚 Lebo Diseko that 鈥渢he idea that this is a short term solution is just plainly wrong鈥�

She continued 鈥淚 have no doubt that this is a facility for the long term鈥�

PCT
The PCT told 麻豆社 London that they do plan to leave 0.5 hectares for future expansion of the hospital.

But when pushed they admitted that the land being sold is actually larger than that being saved - 0.9 hectares.

Lebo Diseko interviewed Margaret Hodge about this. To watch this video click on the link below.

For past articles and more information about the PCT click on the link on the to right hand side of the page.