Residents receive ‘door drop’ leaflet about NHS changes at Rochdale Infirmary

Rochdale Infirmary

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The local NHS is distributing an information leaflet to every household across Rochdale borough reminding local residents that Rochdale Infirmary no longer has an A&E department.

The new GP-led Urgent Care Centre (UCC) at Rochdale Infirmary replaced the Accident and Emergency Department and walk-in centre in April.

A&E is for life-threatening and serious situations. The nearest Accident and Emergency Departments are located at: 

• Fairfield General Hospital, Rochdale Old Road, Bury, BL9 7TD
• The Royal Oldham Hospital, Rochdale Road, Oldham, OL1 2JH
• North Manchester General Hospital, Delaunays Road, Crumpsall, M8 5RB 

The nearest A&E facilities for children are also based at these hospitals. If a child has a life-threatening, serious illness or injury that needs immediate and urgent attention then the ambulance should be called immediately by calling dial 999.

The UCC is open 24/7, 365 days a week. It is run by experienced nurses, nurse practitioners and a GP. They can treat non life-threatening walk-in injuries and ailments, which don’t require an A&E department, but can not wait for a GP or on-call doctor's appointment.

Dr Anton Sinniah, consultant and clinical director for unscheduled care at Rochdale Infirmary and Fairfield General Hospital, said: “The new UCC means that there is no longer an A&E department at Rochdale Infirmary.

“This is an important message we need to communicate again and again to patients and to local people in the communities we serve, particularly advising those who are seriously ill, have chest or abdominal pains, or have a major injury not to attend the UCC.

“The nearest A&E for adults and children is now at Fairfield General Hospital in Bury, The Royal Oldham Hospital or at North Manchester General Hospital.

“If you have a serious injury or illness you should call 999 where you will be taken to an A&E department or specialist health centre where appropriate.

“We want to ensure local people and families in Rochdale know and understand about the changes at Rochdale Infirmary and how they may be affected by them.

“From today, a leaflet will be sent to all households across Rochdale borough explaining the changes and encouraging the public to choose the most appropriate healthcare service. I would always encourage people to consult their GP first where possible, unless they have a life threatening illness, in which case 999 is appropriate.”

Dr Nick Dawes, medical director of NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale (PCT), added: “Your GP is there for advice and treatment on minor illnesses or injuries. They can provide consultations and prescriptions by appointment. Contact your GP in the first instance for minor illnesses or injuries – they can always refer you either to the Urgent Care Centre or to your nearest A&E, if needed.

“The changes at Rochdale Infirmary are part of the Healthy Futures reconfiguration programme. This new model of care at Rochdale Infirmary, incorporating a new urgent care centre and clinical assessment unit has been designed to provide an integrated approach to health care with a seamless service between primary, secondary and social care.”

From 25 June the inpatient maternity and children’s wards at Rochdale Infirmary will be moving to The Royal Oldham Hospital as part of Making it Better. Children who need to stay in hospital because of injury or illness will be admitted to either The Royal Oldham Hospital, North Manchester General Hospital or Fairfield General Hospital or another specialist centre where appropriate.

Children’s outpatient clinics at Rochdale Infirmary and community services will continue as normal. In addition, more children and young people will receive care at home when it is safe to do so. Specialist dental day surgery will also continue to be provided.

All other maternity services, including outpatient antenatal care and scans, will remain at Rochdale Infirmary.