Clearing confusion over hospital plans

Proposals to transform hospitals in Greater Manchester have been clarified by managers.

The proposals will see hospitals across Greater Manchester become general or specialist hospitals under the NHS initiative “Healthier Together”.

One plan is for the Royal Oldham, Salford Royal and Manchester Royal and up to two more hospitals to become specialist centres to deal with the most serious cases. A single-service team would work together across each one up to two other general hospitals.

The Royal Oldham is on the list partly because its location will reduce the impact on patient travel.

During a public consultation event at Chadderton Town Hall there were concerns the changes might mean the hospitals would lose their current spacialisms.

But Dr Chris Brookes, medical director of Healthier Together, said this wouldn’t be the case since the proposals only affect A+E, acute medicine, (pneumonia, chest infections and so on) and general surgery.

“Only the sickest people in each of these areas will be taken to a specialist centre,” he explained.

There were also questions about treatment priority: if Oldham became a specialist hospital, would local patients have to give way to those with more serious complaints from other areas.

Managers suggested that while local patients might have to go to other hospitals for some services, the new system would mean fewer last-minute appointment cancellations caused by consultants being required for emergencies elsewhere.

Dr Ian Wilkinson, chief clinical officer for NHS Oldham Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “The proposals aim for Greater Manchester to have to best healthcare in the country.

“The proposals aim to end the variation in the system and ensure that everyone gets the same high level of care no matter where or when they attend hospital.”

He confirmed that no accident and emergency departments will close and there will be no staff cuts, and all facilities will be upgraded to meet agreed quality and safety standards.

The public consultation period is open until September 30. Information at www.healthiertogethergm.nhs.uk