1.19 In 1992 the Tomlinson report recommended closures, mergers and rationalisations across London but West Middlesex was not mentioned at all as the main focus was on inner London8. Six years later the Turnberg report examined the progress on recommendations of the Tomlinson report9. The focus remained on the requirements of inner London a fact noted by Turnberg who commented, 'Hospitals in the outer ring, away from the centre of London, should be supported and planned in relation to the local needs of the communities they serve'.
1.20 There was therefore no considered examination of the way in which West Middlesex might fit into an overall strategic health plan for either West London or for London as a whole. LRO considers that the strategic case for the redevelopment of West Middlesex should be understood in the context of Turnberg's comments that provision for outer London should be based on local needs.
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8 Report of the Inquiry into London's health service, medical education and research, Tomlinson 1992
9 Health Services in London - A strategic review, Department of Health 1998