In representations on behalf of the interests of older people in our borough, Barnet 55+ Forum has made important contributions to the debates on the NHS. We intend to continue to do so. We therefore welcome the reports that the new Secretary of State for Health, Andrew Lansley, has called on clinicians, local authorities and patients’ representatives to work together on healthcare plans for their area, and that he has called a moratorium on the plans already announced (‘Stroke services may be restored’, Times Series, June 3) The downgrading of Chase Farm Hospital and its consequences, together with the location of stroke units, have already been highlighted and will be central to the discussions.

It is essential there is absolute transparency from the authorities. We are aware the NHS in Barnet is in debt and even further A&E closures were being considered by NHS London to save costs.

The promised increase in NHS budgeting will not meet the cost of providing the increased demand, and efficiency savings of £10 billion to £20 billion savings will be required. Not all of these savings can be met without reducing frontline services.

We must know what the effect of stopping the downgrading of Chase Farm will have on other services because of the financial consequences. There will need to be discussion on the whole range of services.

Ideally, all general hospitals should have acute stroke units, but they require immediate fast-tracking by specialist teams 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This requires several teams at each hospital.

Can we afford this expensive system, or will we have to have a smaller number of special units as planned?

The public as a whole must be involved, but the existing evasions must cease and the whole truth be presented,

Stan Davison, Chairman, and Dr Albert Manning, Secretary, Barnet 55+ Forum