Last night Haringey Council finally admitted that they failed to inform local people over the future of St. Ann’s Hospital.

Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson Nigel Scott welcomed the statement made by Labour councillor Kaushika Amin when she admitted that residents were kept in the dark when St Ann’s Hospital was transferred to Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust in 2001.

Councillor Amin was responding to a deputation led by Mario Petrou at last night’s (23rd Feb 2009) meeting of the Full Council.Mr Petrou also raised new concerns over the future of the St Ann’s site.

Cllr Nigel Scott, Haringey Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson, comments:

“Finally Haringey Labour have admitted that they are bad at listening and consulting with local residents. Cllr Amin apologised after years of Labour failing to recognise local concerns.”

Cllr Rachel Allison, Haringey Liberal Democrat Regeneration Spokesperson, adds:

“We must now press for the future of St Ann’s Hospital site to be decided by all stakeholders. The future of mental health services must be an important part of any consultation but the size of the site means that other uses are on the cards.

“Local people must have real input in decision making. Opportunities like this only come along once in a generation and we owe it to the people of Haringey to make sure this chance is not squandered.”

Lynne Featherstone MP adds:

“St. Ann’s could be a real asset for the whole of Haringey but nearly a decade of Labour incompetence has taken its toll. A clear plan is needed to ensure the future of St. Ann’s hospital and to move on from years of neglect and doubt.”