MP takes David’s survival story to heart

MP Debbie Abrahams has teamed up with a local heart attack survivor to launch her NHS Check Oldham report.

The first of the quarterly reports concentrates on accident and emergency services and examines how Government policies are affecting local health and care services in Oldham East and Saddleworth.

The report features the story of Saddleworth man David Shipp (73) who went to the Royal Oldham Hospital’s A&E department last September when he felt chest pains.

David’s condition meant he went straight through for an electrocardiogram to measure his heart activity, then was admitted to the acute medical ward for further investigation of what was confirmed to be a heart attack.

David was discharged after a surgical procedure the following day, and now undergoes cardiac rehab..

David said: “It was the worst serious medical issue that I’ve had and the NHS was there for me when I needed it,” he said. “My view is that we should make sure our Government supports the NHS so it’s there for anyone else in similar circumstances.”

Mrs Abrahams said: “I’m really grateful to David for sharing his A&E story with me to help launch the NHS Check Oldham reports.

“People like David, who have used the NHS, are the best advocates for it. The report includes David’s case study, along with other local people, who described their experiences of local emergency and urgent care.”