Tomlinson 'agonised' over NHS closures

SIR BERNARD TOMLINSON 'agonised' over the recommendations that sound the death-knell for some of the world's most famous hospitals. 'There is no other word for it,' he said in an interview with the Independent on Sunday yesterday. 'The notion that we have been cavalier is very far from the truth.'

His report into the health service in London, published on Friday, recommends the closure or merger of at least 10 hospitals, including St Bartholomew's, one of the world's oldest and most distinguished, and a transfer of resources to primary and community health services.

'We reached these decisions only after returning to them numerous times,' Sir Bernard said. 'It gives me no pleasure at all to suggest that a distinguished institution might no longer have a future where it is sited.'

Sir Bernard, 72, emeritus professor of pathology at Newcastle University, was chosen to lead the inquiry because of his long experience in the NHS - he was a consultant neuropathologist for 36 years in the North-east and chairman of the Northern Regional Health Authority for eight years - as well as in teaching and research. He headed the team that disciplined two paediatricians in the Cleveland affair.

Since he has worked in the North-east for most of his life, it was considered that he would be able to make a more dispassionate assessment of health care provision in the capital.

A lifelong supporter of the NHS, he said that he never experienced even 'a word or a whisper' of political pressure during the inquiry. 'I would have packed the job in straight away,' he said.

'I have no political affiliations myself. I have been a solid NHS man all my life. I have never wanted to do private practice or go to a private hospital - in fact, I would resist it if I had anything seriously wrong with me because most of them lack the facilities.'

Sir Bernard, who said he received 'marvellous care' on his one occasion as an in-patient, believes the new emphasis in the NHS on purchasing and providing is benefitting patients.

He said NHS service had not deteriorated. 'Standards of medical practice are stern, and the care of patients and preservation of people with life-threatening conditions almost beggars the imagination,' he said.

(Photograph omitted)