New health premises honour former Heywood MP

Mr Jim Callaghan

The Peninsula House premises on Cross Street (off Green Lane), Heywood is now to be renamed ‘Callaghan House’ to pay tribute to former MP Jim Callaghan's work and achievements made during his 23 years service in Parliament and three years as a local councillor for Heywood and Middleton.

John Pierce, Chairman of Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Primary Care Trust (PCT), said: “Jim Callaghan served his community very well for many years. It seemed fitting that his legacy be remembered.”

Jim Callaghan, 80 said: “I am truly privileged to be honoured in such a way. I was invited to tour the new community health service accommodation in Heywood and was very impressed by the refurbishment. I am proud to have Callaghan House renamed in my honour.”

Jim Callaghan was elected MP for Middleton, Prestwich and Whitefield from 1974–1983 before the boundaries changed to cover Heywood and Middleton from 1983-1997; during this time he won six consecutive Parliamentary elections.

Mr Callaghan was instrumental in the introduction of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Act to improve access and parking for disabled people in the workplace. He said: “Very few Members of Parliament ever brought in an Act of Parliament but I did and that is something of which I am very proud. The introduction of disabled access regulations for buildings has benefited millions of people and I’m pleased to see that the PCT is striving to ensure the refurbishment at Callaghan House is accessible for everyone.”

He campaigned on many other issues. His forward thinking in some cases was ahead of the times; voting for a ban on smoking in public places back in 1990.

The quiet and modest former college lecturer has always been a local man proud of his heritage.

NHS community services have moved from Birch Hill to new accommodation in Callaghan House, Heywood over the past few weeks and started to treat patients at the premises as of 1 August 2007.

Community NHS services that have relocated include:

• Adult and Children’s Physiotherapy
• Adult and Children’s Occupational Therapy (including Cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation)
• Speech and Language Therapy
• Posture and Mobility Assessment Centre (formerly known as the Wheelchair Access Centre)

All are now based at Callaghan House (previously known as Peninsula House), Cross Street (off Green Lane) Heywood OL10 2DY. 

Both PCT staff and patients will benefit from new facilities at Callaghan House that include; new gym facilities and treatment and assessment rooms.