Decision details

The Committee considered a report which outlined issues with transport services at Finchley Memorial Hospital.  The Vice-Chairman, Councillor Old, updated the Committee on discussions that had been held with Transport for London (TfL) where they had indicated that it was unlikely that any existing routes would be re-routed.  He advised the Committee that the walk from the bus stop to the hospital entrance (approximately 400 meters) was an issue for patients and suggested that an interim measure should be sought while negotiations were ongoing with TfL. 

The Cabinet Member for Public Health, Councillor Helena Hart, informed the Committee that she had written to the Mayor of London on this issue.  In her representation she had stated that public transport links to Finchley Memorial Hospital were a key element of the redevelopment proposals.  Her letter had also stated that there should be a firm commitment to equal and inclusive access to services.  The Committee were advised that the Mayor had responded and had undertaken to personally look into this matter.  Councillor Hart undertook to update the Committee on any response received from the Mayor’s office. 

It was noted that a number of other local politicians and groups had also been lobbying the Mayor and TfL on this issue.

A Member highlighted that executive responsibility for TfL rested with the Mayor of London and expressed disappointment at the lack of cooperation from TfL on this issue.  It was suggested that re-routing a bus service into the site or providing a shuttle bus from the hospital entrance would address the problem. 

RESOLVED that:-

1.            The Committee note the update on Transport Services at Finchley Memorial Hospital as set out in the report and as outlined above.

2.            The Chairman be requested to submit a formal representation to the Greater London Assembly Transport Committee on this issue, with any feedback reported to the Committee in due course.

3.            Officers be instructed to invite representatives from Transport for London to the next meeting of the Committee on 4 October 2013 to update the Committee regarding ongoing discussions and possible options for transport services at Finchley Memorial Hospital.