Shaping the future direction of North Middlesex Hospital

Healthwatch Haringey undertook research on the future direction of North Middlesex Hospital and potential partnership arrangements with other NHS organisations. The research consisted of two public engagement events held in Wood Green and Tottenham in July 2018 and involved 15 local residents and hospital patients. Participants were invited to discuss the challenges facing the hospital and share their views on proposals for future partnerships, including the possibility of closer working with or merging into the Royal Free Hospital.

Participants identified staff recruitment and retention as a key priority and raised concerns about maintaining local access to services, preserving local decision-making, reducing waiting times and improving relationships between the hospital, GPs, social care and mental health services. Many attendees were worried that a partnership could lead to reduced services at North Middlesex Hospital or decisions being made by organisations with limited understanding of local needs. Concerns were also raised about communication with patients, staff culture, growing demand for services and the hospital's reputation. 

Residents suggested a range of potential improvements, including closer working with GPs, social care and mental health services, greater community engagement, local recruitment initiatives, more affordable housing for staff and increased use of digital healthcare solutions. Some participants questioned whether other local organisations, such as Whittington Hospital, might be more suitable partners than the Royal Free, while others were sceptical that partnership alone would address the hospital's underlying challenges. 

The report concluded that residents wanted strong evidence that any partnership would improve patient care, staff recruitment, service access and financial sustainability. There was broad support for a more locally focused approach to healthcare and for stronger links between the hospital and the communities it serves. Participants also highlighted the need for clear information about the benefits, risks and alternatives to partnership before any future decisions were made.