Statement about Margaret Pyke

Responding to a forthcoming protest outside Islington Town Hallby young women who will be singing and dressing up with fake baby bumps and dolls, a spokesperson said: "The song made us smile but it's sad to read outrageous claims made by this campaign, opposed to any change at all.

"The fact is the services we developed and provide, will continue and will get better for people who use them.

"Does that mean they will always be in the same place? Of course not; we only moved to the current Margaret Pyke Centre in 2013 and some of those services are provided in Islington at our Archway Clinic, called ‘Margaret Pyke at Archway'. Margaret Pyke sees a handful of under 16s per quarter; Archway Clinic sees many more, perhaps indicating that services for young women are needed at more sites.

"There's no doubt that things can be done differently and they will have to be.

"Change is very hard and people worry, that's why people must be involved and they will be. It's actually hardest on staff, who have to make changes to the way they work and this campaign adds to their anxiety.

"CNWL are the end point after commissioners have decided what services they want; funding streams have been reduced and that was confirmed in the comprehensive spending review.

"We wish it wasn't so; but no change is not an option."

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust
Stephenson House, 75 Hampstead Road, London NW1 2PL
Tel: 020 3214 5700 e-mail:communications.cnwl@nhs.net