Simon Danczuk MP

Fighting for Rochdale, Littleborough and Milnrow

MP calls on residents to lobby their GP over Rochdale Infirmary

Simon Danczuk, Rochdale’s MP, has called upon local people to press their local GP to support retaining services at Rochdale Infirmary.

Talking at a meeting of Friends of our Hospital, held on Thursday 26th August, Simon said: “The Conservative Health Minister has made it clear that when he reviews whether Rochdale Infirmary should keep accident and emergency and a maternity unit he will give strong weight to the views of local GPs. It therefore makes sense for local Rochdale people to let their GP know that they want both the A&E and maternity unit to stay at Rochdale Infirmary. If we can convince local GPs to support these services then we are more likely to convince the Conservative Health Minister.”

Simon continued: “The Health Minister has already stated that he will not consult with local people again, but will instead use the results of the previous consultation. However, he is giving much more weight to the opinions of local GPs. For this reason we should do all we can to encourage doctors to support our hospital and the current services.”

Simon also said at the meeting: “Some of the messages that have been put out as part of the Friends of our Hospital campaign have been misleading. For example, to say that the A&E was closed at night wasn’t correct because people could still present themselves. Political campaigning in the run up to the General Election also misled people. Several political leaflets suggested Rochdale Infirmary was closing down when this has never been the case. It causes confusion among the public and this sort of campaigning has to stop if we are serious about saving vital services for our town.”

Simon finally stated: “There is still everything to play for in fighting for our services at Rochdale Infirmary, though it is clear that local GPs will be influential in helping decide what services go where. I urge as many Rochdale residents as possible to lobby their GP to press for retaining the A&E and maternity services at our hospital.”