With reference to the letters in the Wimbledon Guardian ( Threat to hospital is still very real, February 19,  Getting to see a doctor is hard work, February 26) I would like to mention no criticisms were made against Siobhan McDonagh MP.  Having been a councillor in Merton myself I have got to know her well and she has helped many constituents in Merton of Tamil, Sri Lankan origin. 

My basic point is the importance of St Helier providing a high standard of care and services to the local area. 

To provide this service, some people in the borough need to be less dependent on the hospital for ailments which can be remedied by their GP or advised by a pharmacy.

It would also benefit to some of these people to change their lifestyle so that their dependence on the health care service as a whole can be lessened.

Currently, the hospital is being used in much the same way as a supermarket, a one-stop-shop for any and every care need they want.

This should not be the case. The current councillors and MPs should have far more of a focus at the moment with the fate of the hospital.

Too many unnecessary ‘patients’ are putting too much stress on the hospital.  If the hospital cannot bring their deficit down, something which they are trying very hard to do, there will be serious implications on the survival of this hospital. No parties will be in a position to save this hospital.  Even if the Labour run Merton Council uses the surplus £110 million reserve, St. Helier Hospital will not be saved.

Logie Lohendran

Via email