A PCT faces a battle at the High Court following an alleged lack of consultation over its decision to award a new GP-led health centre near Euston station to a private firm.
The legal action against NHS Camden is being brought by residents after the centre was awarded to Care UK.
An application for a judicial review on behalf of claimant Bob Austin – an ex-councillor supported by anti-privatisation campaigners – has been lodged by legal firm Leigh Day and Co.
Earlier this year the PCT released a document revealing plans for a GP-led health centre, with consultation set to end in October – but the PCT announced on 31 July that Care UK would be running the clinic.
Opponents of the new centre are demanding a full and frank consultation, and claim the move may lead to local GP practices closing.
Chair of the Camden Keep Our NHS Public campaign group Candy Udwin said: “The consultation has been a sham. The PCT has chosen the site, awarded the contract and started advertising for staff before the consultation has even closed.”
NHS Camden Chief Executive Dr Mark Atkinson said the trust would “rigorously defend” itself against the accusations.
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