Save Occasio House by Robert Halfon MP

As The Harlow Star has reported, West Essex PCT is cutting our local health services in Harlow. These include the "One-Stop" health clinic at Occasio House.

There is an anger and frustration among Harlow residents - especially young people - who feel that this decision came out of the blue. As local MP, I was not briefed in advance, and have received many letters and phone calls from patients, who also say they were not consulted.

I accept that the economy is difficult, and that the Government is having to make cuts, to tackle the astronomical public debts of £2 trillion.

But the fact is that the NHS is one of very few areas that has been ringfenced nationally, and the Department of Health has given the PCT a cash boost of £12 million pounds this year, to help them cope with inflation.

West Essex PCT has extra cash this year. So I can understand why Harlow residents are asking: "Why are local services being cut?" Given the importance of the health clinic at Occasio House, I am campaigning with local residents to save it.

You can read more on The Harlow Star website here: http://www.harlowstar.co.uk/News/Backlash-over-Harlow-youth-clinic-closure-27072011.htm

If you feel that this is a disgraceful and shortsighted decision by the PCT, please sign our petition and show your support.