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Ward trauma

Diane Leach
28/ 6/2008

THE controversial closure of key services at Rochdale Infirmary could begin as early as October.

Although Pennine Acute Trust has already announced the downgrading of the accident and emergency unit and shutting children’s and maternity departments, it now looks as though patients who have been involved in Rochdale accidents or sustained unexpected serious orthopaedic injuries will be rushed to Royal Oldham Hospital.

A Trust spokesman said: "The plan has not been approved yet, so there are no fixed dates, but we would hope that this will take place sometime in the autumn."

The spokesman would neither confirm nor deny the strong rumours circulating at the Infirmary that the rotas of doctors who deal with orthopaedic trauma cases only go up to the end of September.

But he did say that when the change takes place, the Infirmary would undertake more planned orthopaedic operations involving patients from the Oldham area.

"Once we do have an approved date then we will be able to update staff, GPs and members of the public," he continued.

"The advantages of the move will include the ability to set up a foot and ankle network at the Infirmary, with specialists working together for the benefit of patients from Rochdale and Oldham.

"It’s important to stress that patients will not need to do anything differently if they have an accident which requires an orthopaedic operation.

"If they are being transported by ambulance, it will take them straight to Oldham. If they attend the Infirmary A&E themselves they will be treated and transferred, as currently happens to patients requiring more specialised care, such as head injuries or serious burns."

The timetable for closures at the Infirmary shows that maternity and children’s services will go early in 2011, the year that A&E treatments will

be drastically reduced. Paediatrics and neo-natal treatments will be transferred to Oldham, while acute A&E cases will go to either Oldham

or Fairfield.

Councillor Jean Ashworth, who works on the children’s ward at the Infirmary, was critical of the proposals.

She said: "Many patients with orthopaedic injuries are children or elderly, the most vulnerable. They should not have to travel to Oldham to be treated. I want to know what has happened to consultations, because this is a bolt out of the blue."

MP Paul Rowen said: "I hope that before any changes are implemented there are full consultations with staff and the public. This includes the council’s health overview and scrutiny committee."


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Most recent 2 of 2 user comments

   'Consultations' are inevitably rather phoney exercises because whether or not something happens depends not on the points of view of those consulted but rather the weight attached to those views. Once politcal decisions have been made little short of the outbreak of war or a similar event will result in a change of direction. In addition these 'consultations' cost good money which would be better spent elsewhere. The only consultations which can influence events happen when everyone can vote for or against a proposition and the majority view is upheld.
Donald, manchester
28/06/2008 at 20:36
   This does not just apply to 'inpatients'. In 2002 I had major surgery followed by anaemia. After iron tablets failed to sort me I had two trips to Rochdale for 'camera jobs'. Problem solved. Earlier this year I was identified as anaemic again, no Rochdale this time but Oldham where both ends were done in one visit. As per the last time I have a plumbing problem which requires another visit. I am to arrive at 8:50 and expect to be there all day and hence the problem. (1) Buses from Rochdale run frequently, my local bus only run once per hour. To get into Rochdale I will have to catch a 7:30 am bus and will be in 'rush hour' travel? (2) Drive myself, parking will be best part of £10.00 and will I be OK to drive? (3) Ambulances do not start deliveries of outpatients before 9 am. (4) Family member as chauffeur - if they will lose a day of work? (5) Taxi - how much? Anyone like to decide for me?
carras, Rochdale
28/06/2008 at 11:37
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