Need for new health centre never greater

Shaw’s existing and increasingly unfit health centre

COUNCILLORS in Shaw are urging Oldham NHS Clinical Commissioning Group to re-examine proposals for a new health centre.

Shaw and Crompton councillors have written to the CCG to encourage a new examination of the proposals more than six years after plans were put forward and approved.

The centre, which would have housed two GP practices and community services, stalled after funding was withdrawn.

The councillors argue the current Crompton Health Centre on Shaw High Street is badly in need of replacement. Lib-Dem Councillor Howard Sykes said: “Councillors continue to campaign for a new integrated medical centre in Shaw and we feel it is now time these proposals were looked at again.

“The current centre is simply not fit for purpose. It has been patched and repaired so many times that I’ve lost count.”

He added that with the impending demolition of Crompton Pool and the relocation of Shaw market, there will be an increase in available town centre land on which to build: “There can be no better time to reconsider a new integrated care centre, which would benefit from ample parking and excellent access.”

Oldham CCG has responded in support of a new development, however it added that it is not “directly within its control”.

A spokesman said: “We are working closely with national bodies to obtain the funds for these capital developments.”

The CCG invited councillors to an exploratory meeting yesterday to review what might be possible.