Open letter to Dr Howard Freeman, Tooting GP and joint medical director of BSBV Dear Dr Freeman I am surprised you were surprised by my comments. Tooting doctors and nurses may support the proposals to downgrade hospital services at St Helier but the Sutton doctors and nurses I’ve spoken to do not.

I've still got all the glossy brochures from the "far reaching engagement process" carried out a few years ago for Better Healthcare Closer to Home. Remember that one?

But we agree on one thing. No final decision has been made yet and NHS South West London (the decision makers) will not exist in a few months time.

So let's use some common sense for once. Abandon the plans now and don't waste any more money on an expensive consultation. Local GPs will be commissioning services from now on. Sutton Council is working alongside them to develop plans for the future of healthcare in our borough. Please could you just leave us to get on with it?

Cllr Ruth Dombey Leader Sutton Council