Liberal Democrats in Harlow have given their support to proposals from Princess Alexandra Hospital to apply to become a Foundation Trust.

In addition to supporting the Trust application, the Lib Dem response also argues for

• strong links between the hospital, local schools and Harlow College


• collaboration with other NHS Foundation Trusts


• membership of the Trust's Board of Governors to include places for Harlow College and the voluntary sector


• additional outpatient services to be offered by the hospital in local venues such as GPs' surgeries

The Lib Dem response also reflects public concern at proposals to move the Walk-In Centre onto hospital premises. Harlow Liberal Democrat leader Cllr Chris Millington says:

"Hospitals serve the public and are funded by the public through taxes, so I believe they should be accountable to the public. We elect district and county councillors to make decisions about local services like education, housing and social services. I believe local health services should also be run by people that we can vote for at the ballot box.

But the Labour government disagrees. Instead it has set up 'Foundation Trusts'. People must opt in to be 'members' of their hospital Trust to be able to vote for its Governors. Since I think our hospital should be accountable to all residents, I'm encouraging everyone to become a member of its proposed new Trust."