Rochdale Infirmary closures spark anger amongst the public

Rochdale Infirmary

The Rochdale public has spoken out against the cuts to the Rochdale Infirmary.

Rochdale Online reporter Andrew Cream spoke to shoppers who were angry and saddened by the upcoming closure of many of Rochdale Infirmary’s services, including A&E and maternity.

Elizabeth Stevens, 79, said: “I don’t think its right. If you’re elderly it’s not very good.”

From Monday (4 April 2011) the accident and emergency department at the Infirmary will be replaced with an Urgent Care Centre.

The centre will provide treatment for people who have a minor injury or illness, or an urgent but less serious emergency that does not require 999.

All emergency cases involving severe injury or illness, or those that require 999 emergency ambulances, such as patients suffering a heart attack or stroke, will be taken to neighbouring A&E departments at The Royal Oldham Hospital, Fairfield General Hospital in Bury, North Manchester General Hospital in Crumpsall or another specialist hospital.

Shopper Hester Challoner said: “It’s a really dreadful shame.” Ms Challoner said the Infirmary was “excellent” during in a recent visit.

Ben Cook agreed, and commented on the travelling time to the nearest A&E department: “People aren’t going to be happy about going to Bury,” he said.

Mother-of-two Caroline Hover added: “It’s just too far for some people.”

Barrie Wilson summed it up when he said: “It’s a really good hospital so it’s really sad.”

See a full list of  closures here: www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/53109/closure-timetable-for-infirmary-services-set-out