London Plan 2011 PDF 1 MB - Lambeth Council

The London Plan July 2011 – RTF version
B Development proposals which provide high quality health and social care
facilities will be supported in areas of identified need, particularly in places
easily accessible by public transport, cycling and walking. Where local
health services are being changed, the Mayor will expect to see
replacement services operational before the facilities they replace are
closed, unless there is adequate justification for the change.
C Relevant development proposals should take into account the Mayor’s
Best Practice Guidance on Health Issues in Planning.
LDF preparation
D In LDFs boroughs should identify and address significant health and
social care issues facing their area for example by utilising findings from
joint strategic needs assessments.
E Boroughs should work with the NHS, social care services and community
organisations to:
a regularly assess the need for health and social care facilities at the local
and sub-regional levels; and
b secure sites and buildings for or to contribute to future provision.
F Boroughs should promote the continued role and enhancement of London
as a national and international centre of medical excellence and specialised
facilities.
3.92 This Policy complements Policies 3.16 on social infrastructure and 3.2 on
improving health and tackling health inequalities. Boroughs should refer to
all three policies when planning for health and social care facilities.
3.93 London’s health service is vital to maintaining and improving Londoners’
quality of life. Its influence goes far beyond the primary role it plays in
delivering health care. It is one of the capital’s major employers, employing
over 140,000 people in London (excluding contract workers) and over 4,000 in
each borough. London’s relatively high housing prices make it hard for
frontline staff to afford accommodation in the areas where they work. Policy
3.8 addresses this housing issue.
3.94 The NHS in England is undergoing a major restructuring. The NHS White
Paper Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS and the public health
White Paper Healthy Lives, Healthy People: Our Strategy for Public Health
in England set out the Government's long-term vision for the future of the
NHS and public health in England. The vision builds on the core values and
principles of the NHS - a comprehensive service, available to all, free at the
point of use, based on need and, not on ability to pay. It is expected that
boroughs will be responsible for promoting joined up commissioning of local
NHS services, social care and health improvement. The Health and Social
Care Bill, which was published in January 2011, contains provisions for
strengthening commissioning of NHS services, increasing democratic
accountability and public voice, liberating provision of NHS services,
strengthening public health services and reforming health and care arm’slength
bodies. In response to the public health White Paper, it is proposed to
create a statutory London Health Improvement Board (LHIB) that will take
on the development of the London Health Inequalities Strategy and have
regard to the health and well being strategies of each borough. The Board
will play an important role in identifying city-wide health needs and will
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