Fast-track care

OLDHAMERS can look forward to faster access to a range of health treatments when state-of-the-art equipment arrives in the borough.

Purpose-built mobile clinical units will be set up in Westhulme, offering convenient opening hours, from 7.45am to 8pm on weekdays and Saturday.

Patients will be seen by a consultant and can have a range of tests as well as some minor surgery, such as treatment for ear, nose and throat problems.

The project has been set up by Care UK as part of a seven-year contract to increase patient choice, bring down waiting times for NHS treatment and improve access to care for people in Oldham and the surrounding areas.

Trevor Purt, chief executive of NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale PCT, said: “We want to make sure that anyone needing NHS treatment can get the best care possible as quickly as possible. This is particularly important for the local community in Oldham, many of whom experience some of the poorest levels of health.”

The new units are part of the Clinical Assessment and Treatment Service (or CATS for short) and are the first of their kind in the UK.

They already operate from other sites across Greater Manchester, including Bolton, Salford, Stretford, Rochdale, Denton and Longsight.

Patients can make an appointment either by being referred by their GP or via the NHS Choice website. For more information visit www.greater-manchester-cats.com or call 0333 200 4042.