On the day Lord Ara Darzi and the London Health Commission launch a report on improving the health of Londoners, the London Assembly Health Committee has called for devolved health powers to the Greater London Authority (GLA).
Chair of the Health Committee, Doctor Onkar Sahota AM said;
“We’ve been looking forward to Lord Darzi’s report and will spend some time studying its recommendations. When we launched our Diabetes Report[1] in March this year, we called for more joined-up thinking and co-ordination between the GLA and London Boroughs, to facilitate a consistent and coherent approach to encouraging individuals to make responsible lifestyle choices that will improve their health outcomes.
Our current investigation into accessing Mental Health services in the capital[2] is another important study into how we deal with the health issues of Londoners and we are pleased to see the Mayor of London has identified it as a priority issue and a key concern. We look forward to questioning Lord Darzi about his findings when he appears before the Health Committee in November.” [3]
Currently the Mayor of London is responsible for looking at ways of improving the health and well-being of Londoners. The Mayor also works to reduce the level of health inequalities in London but is not responsible for any aspect of the National Health Service (NHS).
Notes for editors:
‘Blood Sugar Rush - Diabetes Time Bomb in London’ Report
Accessing Mental Health Services Investigation page
Lord Ara Darzi appears before the London Assembly Health Committee on November the 25th at 10am.
Dr Onkar Sahota AM, Chair of the Health Committee, is available for interview – see contact details below.
As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and balance on the Mayor
For more details, please contact Alison Bell in the Assembly Media Office on 020 7983 4228. For out of hour’s media enquiries please call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the Assembly duty press officer. Non-media enquiries should be directed to the Public Liaison Unit, on 020 7983 4100.