'Dismal' information about A&E closure

Rochdale Infirmary

Concerns were raised at the full council meeting held tonight regarding the "badly handled" decision to close Rochdale Infirmary’s A&E to 999 calls at night.

The information provided by the Pennine Acute Trust was described as ‘dismal.’

The Leader of Rochdale Council, Councillor Irene Davidson spoke of her shock at the information given to staff relating to the closure.

Councillor Davidson explained that on a trip to A&E the weekend the story broke she was alerted to the fact that staff members got their letters after the story had been published.

Councillor Davidson told council members how there was "no atmosphere" and that she was "disgusted" at how they had been treated, more so considering councillors were accused of scaremongering when trying to bring this issue to light in the past.