Published: 11 June, 2010
by PETER GRUNER

POOR access to GPs will be the subject of a public meeting at the Assembly Hall next week. 

Islington Link will be holding the meeting at 6.30pm on Wednesday, June 23 in the at the Assembly Rooms next to Islington Town Hall.

During the last two years Link, a voluntary group which aims to improve health and social care services for the community, has received reports that local people are experiencing problems making appointments with their GPs and accessing other community health services through GPs.

Olav Ernstzen, chairman of Islington Link, said: “At the March Links Fair people voted access to GP services as their number one concern.”

Islington is one of the most deprived London boroughs and life expectancy is below the national average. Poor health is widespread in the borough and there are higher than average levels of coronary disease, cancer, diabetes, mental health problems, drug misuse, teenage pregnancy and smoking.

Emma Whitby, Head of Links at Voluntary Action Islington, said: “The main issues which concern the public are making appointments to see their GP and accessing other services through their doctor.”

The Links meeting on GP services is from 6.30pm-7.30pm. Before the session on GPs, the Link Core Group meeting, which the public can attend, will take place between 5.30pm and 6.30pm. Contact Emma Whitby of the Link Host at Voluntary Action Islington 020 7832 5814 or link@vai.org.uk