For immediate release

Margaret Pyke Centre - "We're listening"

One month into the public consultation around transforming sexual health services in Camden and Islington, CNWL say we're listening and hearing what people say. We will reflect on what is said and consider people's views and concerns.

Mark Maguire, CNWL's Sexual Health and HIV Service Director, said: "Hundreds of views have been expressed, particularly by patients who have come into the clinic; we've also asked Camden Healthwatch to independently collect views from people who are often not heard - especially in the BME community, and vulnerable groups who often don't speak out."

"At the beginning of this process people didn't really appreciate the financial challenge these services faced. I've really had to emphasise the unprecedented financial challenge we face in Sexual Health. The downside is that it looked like CNWL was only concerned about the money. That was never true but I am aware of the perception. That said I think we can offer the public reassurance and explanation; there is a tradition around contraceptive services for woman which will not be lost; our services for women will be excellent, albeit at different locations; the Margaret Pyke service and tradition will remain."

Dr Simon Edwards, the Clinical Director of the service, said: "The financial squeeze is very real but I remain convinced that the changes we're thinking about will actually improve things - and it will seem a surprise to some.

"First, we know that many people want more options online - many people already book appointments with us online and get aspects of their care without having to attend at a specific building. I am hopeful that we can continue to develop other aspects of healthcare that will improve patient satisfaction and convenience, from ordering your contraceptives to advice and results. Secondly, having all specialist doctors and nurses under one roof means women who come to the clinic and find they have other issues will be able to see someone at that time, from a specialist they previously would have had to be referred to. This will improve the clinical service. Thirdly, doctors want to learn too - a doctor with one specialism wants experience in other areas, as that will lead onto the best jobs. No one likes change but there is an upside here."

Mark Maguire continued: "I was recently asked about a young person's clinic that our staff at Margaret Pyke Centre had developed. I was asked if this was 'stalled by management' before it was due to launch in September 2015. Our staff did make a plan for this work, but commissioners didn't support it because they already commission an extensive young people's sexual health service in Camden and Islington. I know staff were disappointed, but good ideas cannot be devised in isolation, they have to be jointly agreed with commissioners. That's the explanation and I'm glad someone asked."

Meanwhile, Dr Chris Wilkinson, Consultant in Sexual and Reproductive Health at CNWL, said: "On Monday 25 January, Camden Councillor Sally Gimson hosted a meeting at the new Camden Council facilities at Pancras Square to inform the development of Sexual & Reproductive Health and HIV services for Camden residents. A number of councillors, senior members of the public health team and clinicians working in general practice, specialist services (CNWL and The Royal Free) and the voluntary sector in Camden were present,. The format of the meeting was a series of discussions around a broad range of case studies that reflected the breadth of people's sexual health needs in Camden. Those of us who attended felt the meeting identified a common aim to improve the sexual and reproductive health of the population and helped share understanding of our very different roles in this."

Mark Maguire said: "I am really proud of this service because it is really outstanding. I wish we didn't have to make changes but we do. Will women be worse off by them? No. Will standards slip? Never. There's no way I would preside over anything that damages this service. There will be painful moments for staff as some posts will go (we're not filling vacancies and there will be some redundancies)."

"I've listened to people's fears and I'm saying we're here to stay."

Claire Murdoch, CNWL's Chief Executive said: "This is hard for everyone involved, but especially the staff. There is lots to say and we're listening to everyone. Whatever the outcome, we will keep the brand, that Margaret Pyke identity, something women can trust; we will land a brilliant service for women and one that is financially sustainable."

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust
Stephenson House, 75 Hampstead Road, London NW1 2PL
Tel: 020 3214 5756 e-mail:communications.cnwl@nhs.net