Abortion helpline for Rochdale

Women living in Rochdale can now call a helpline for advice and support on terminating a pregnancy and to book an appointment.

The service, funded locally by Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Primary Care Trust (HMRPCT), will help women to make pregnancy termination appointments quickly and at a convenient location.

Women using the service will receive support from the centre where the procedure will take place. There is also additional support available for those under 25, through the local Crisis Intervention Team.

The Crisis Intervention Team can offer unbiased discussion for young women following a positive pregnancy test and support them through the decision making process. It also supports them through the termination and offers post-termination care and advice.

“Terminating a pregnancy is a very difficult and emotive time,” said Sara Rowbotham, Crisis Intervention Team co-ordinator. “This new service will help to make the process as smooth as possible for patients, allowing them to concentrate on looking after themselves.”

Any patient, GP or nurse can call the helpline number on 0845 365 0565 for advice or to make an appointment. The helpline will be open between 8am and 9pm on a weekday, 8:30am and 6pm on Saturday and 9:30am to 2:30pm on Sunday. All calls will be treated with the strictest of confidence.

Alternatively, patients can contact the Crisis Intervention team on 01706 517613.