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Couple's Infirmary bid fails

Damon Wilkinson
9/ 6/2007

A ROCHDALE couple have lost their fight to keep accident and emergency services at the Infirmary.

David and Lisa Louise Fitton hoped to persuade a High Court judge to allow a judicial review into the plans. Their seven-year-old son Jordan is severely disabled and needs regular A and E treatment. His brother Dion died last October aged five from the same condition.

They claimed the health authorities didn't properly consult with the people of Rochdale. But this morning (Friday) Mr Justice Bennett rejected their case.

Mr and Mrs Fitton, of Smallbridge, fear the decision could lead to their son's death.

David said: "We are absolutely distraught. They are putting Jordan's life at risk. We have already buried one son and we don't want to bury another.

"They say they will be able to stabilise Jordan at the infirmary before transferring him to Oldham. But trying to get to Oldham during rush hour is almost impossible.

"It is not the answer we were hoping for or the answer the people of Rochdale were hoping for. But we are not going to give up fighting. We now have to hope the review panel looking into the closure comes up with something."

Mr Fitton added the couple were now thinking about moving home to be closer to the A and E services Jordan needs.

Richard Scorer, of Manchester law firm Pannone LLP which represented the Fittons, said: "There is ample evidence that the downgrading of accident and emergency services at Rochdale Infirmary poses risks to the health and wellbeing of many vulnerable people, including Jordan Fitton.

"It is also clear that the health trusts failed to consult the community of Rochdale properly. Unfortunately the court was unwilling to reopen the consultation process."

Click on the video link for Channel M's report ...


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Most recent 2 of 3 user comments

   Lisa-Louise & Dave are a credit for standing up and fighting for thier belief that to downgrade A & E in Rochdale little Jordan- Lee's life will be put at risk as so will many more. It is more disappointing when even the Judge knew that the original consultation was flawed and did not include Rochdale Infirmary in any of the options,but then again the cost of a new consultation was the arguement put forward by the PCT's. Saving lives or saving money! Councillor Jean Ashworth Smallbridge
Jean Ashworth, Rochdale OL12-9AW
13/06/2007 at 09:51
   The madness which afflicts the administrators of Rochdale's Health Service, began with the closing of Birch Hill. Access is a problem they said. Halifax Road is conjested they said. Since then, Hundreds of additional houses have and are being built along Halifax Road. So, by some mad logic access to Oldham will not be a problem!
Peter Bamford, Syke
8/06/2007 at 17:20
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