Cardiology review starts

Rochdale Infirmary

A review of cardiology services for the North East sector of Greater Manchester, which includes the Rochdale Infirmary has started.

Professor Roger Boyle and his team arrived yesterday (Monday 7 March) to start the cardiology review for Healthy Futures.

In October 2010 the National Clinical Advisory Team reviewed Healthy Futures on behalf of the right honourable Andrew Lansley Secretary of State.

The National Clinical Advisory Team recommended a full review of cardiology services across the northeast sector of Greater Manchester.

They recognised that since 2005 when the original plans for Healthy Futures were drawn up and approved by the Independent Reconfiguration Panel, that Cardiology services have substantially advanced.

They reported the review is required to ensure future cardiology services meet the needs of the local population.

Sir Jonathan Asbridge Healthy Futures Programme Director said: “Professor Roger Boyle and his team will review the current cardiology services provided within the northeast sector of Greater Manchester. They will meet with local Patients, GPs, Consultants and members of the Local Authorities Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee”.

Mike Farrar Chief Executive of NHS Northwest said: “Any changes to the original Healthy Futures programme, including changes to cardiology services, will be the subject of further public consultation. Any proposals for change must have the support of local commissioners and be approved by the strategic health authority (NHS Northwest) before they can proceed.

“Local commissioners and Pennine Acute Hospital Trust must ensure that any proposed changes to the Healthy Futures programme are both affordable and deliverable, and that any consultation is not limited to changes affecting services in only one hospital.”

Healthy Futures will publish Professor Roger Boyle finding and recommendations once NHS Northwest and the local commissioners have reviewed his recommendations.