2,000 People Can’t Be Wrong!

The Keep Blanche Heriot Unit Open petition has now topped 2,000 signatures. Many, many thanks to all our supporters. So many patients have been posting comments about how much the Blanche Heriot Unit means to them, and how afraid they would be for their future health and wellbeing if it were to close, that we think it is absolutely vital that their voice is heard. Recent events have surely highlighted the need for politicians and public officials to listen to the views of those who rely on public services and not seek simply to impose decisions that take no account, in this case, of patients’ needs and circumstances. Increasing numbers of local GPs and other healthcare professions are also signing the petition expressing their support for the continuation of the Blanche Heriot Unit. We are therefore going to start highlighting some of these comments on this site and send them separately to the decision makers so that they can take them properly into account in their future plans for sexual health, HIV and genito-urinary medicine services in Surrey. What these testimonies make clear is that the service provided by Dr Pritchard and her team at the Blanche Heriot Unit is a beacon of excellence which should be celebrated as such and not be facing the threat of closure. What is also clear is that the range and depth of service available at the Blanche Heriot Unit, with direct links to interdependent clinical departments at St Peter’s Hospital, cannot possibly be replicated at the community premises (Buryfields) now operated by Central & North West London NHS Trust in Guildford. So we call upon Surrey County Council and NHS England to listen to the patient and clinical voice and confirm that the Blanche Heriot Unit will remain open as a hospital based, Consultant-led, Level Three centre serving Surrey. “The thing about chronic diseases like HIV is the mental toll. Most people won't respond to the petition because it's yet another stress that we could do without. There is still a "stigma", it's hard to talk about it and you're basically living a double life. I've been living with HIV for over 20 years and been on treatment with Blanche Heriot Unit for 4 years. I walked into the unit practically on my deathbed because I had been too afraid to face the illness, but the team supported me through it and now I'm stable and I cannot imagine a situation where I'd have to start going somewhere else for my treatment and check-ups. There is no scenario that justifies closing what is a "vulnerable" patient service to local residents. I'm certain that there are ways in which certain parts of the service can be made more efficient without limiting "access to health services"? [This patient is from Weybridge and wishes to remain Anonymous] “This is a great service and losing it will deny patients of great, local care. Closing this would be a huge mistake.” [Dr Mark Jopling. GP, Sunbury] Thank you again for all your support, please keep sharing the petition.