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REASSURANCE ... the head of the Patients’ Council Paul Mainwaring says Rochdale Infirmary will be enhanced.
No need to worry over downgraded hospital
Bethan Dorsett1/ 9/2007
CLAIMS that the Infirmary is going to be little more than a ‘cottage hospital’ are misleading, the head of the Patients’ Council has said.
Although the A and E unit is to be downgraded and the maternity and children’s units axed, Paul Mainwaring, chairman of the Healthy Futures Patients’ Council, said there should not be ‘undue concern and confusion’.
He emphasised that an urgent care centre, where 85 out of 100 patients will still be treated, will be replacing the A and E unit.
And he said that the Infirmary will become a ‘locality hospital’ with a range of new and enhanced community services – not a ‘cottage hospital’.
“A locality hospital is larger than a traditional community hospital, but smaller than a traditional district general hospital,” said Mr Mainwaring.
“To call the Infirmary a ‘cottage hospital’ is misleading as it suggests that there will only be a small number of services remaining on site.
“There have also been rumours circulating that, starting last weekend, Rochdale’s A and E has changed status and is now operating as a walk-in-centre as of 5pm every evening.
“I can state quite categorically that this is not true. The A and E department remains in operation as usual.”
He said that no date had been set for the changes, but staff and patients would be informed ‘well in advance’.
He pointed out that the existing centre of excellence for coronary care at the Infirmary would be ‘developed further.’
“This will not happen overnight and will be a lengthy process, lasting up to five years, with full involvement with patients, NHS staff and other stakeholders throughout,” he added.
“The Patients’ Council will continue to work with patients, members of the public, staff, clinicians and management to ensure the introduction of new services are as approved by the secretary of state.”
Roadshows providing information will be set up by the Patients’ Council.
They will begin in late October and continue throughout November, giving everyone the opportunity to hear more about the future of healthcare in Rochdale.
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3/09/2007 at 09:13
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