A COUNCIL is calling on people to get on board for its campaign for a new hospital.

Waltham Forest Council launched the ‘Love Whipps Cross’ campaign today (Thursday, June 22) to generate public support for the redevelopment of a failing hospital.

Whipps Cross Hospital in Leytonstone, run by Barts Health NHS Trust, was placed into special measures by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) after a damning report in 2015.

In December last year an inspection found that while there had been improvements it was still “inadequate” overall.

Members of the public are being asked to pledge their support for the redevelopment of a new campus and get involved in discussions around proposals later in the year.

Cllr Clare Coghill, leader of the council, said: “This campaign is a once in a lifetime opportunity to redevelop Whipps Cross into a world class health and wellbeing campus.

“Whipps Cross has a proud place in our history and has served our community exceptionally for a hundred years.

“We want it to continue to deliver excellent care well into the future and that is why we are launching our campaign.”

If successful, the existing site will be transformed into a campus which combines hospital, community, primary and social care services in one place.

Whipps Cross is currently facing significant challenges with increasing pressure placed upon its services by a growing, and ageing population.

Cllr Coghill added: “We need support from right across the borough because in the 21st century patients deserve to be treated with the highest quality of care.”

A ‘Big Map’ which will allow people to say why they support the campaign while pin-pointing where they live will be on display at the Leyton Carnival, Walthamstow Garden Party, Chingfest and Leytonstone Streetfest.

People can get involved in the campaign by sharing the hashtag on Twitter #LoveWhippsCross and signing up on the council’s website here.