Views sought over future of heart and stroke services

Members of the public are being encouraged to share their views, ideas and concerns about the proposals to change heart and stroke services.

The changes are part of the Healthy Futures programme and are specifically related to planned cardiology (heart treatment) and stroke rehabilitation. The changes will affect patients in Rochdale, Bury, Oldham, North Manchester and Rossendale.

The proposals have transpired because developments in clinical care and national policies for heart and stroke disease mean that plans to create a cardiology centre of excellence at Rochdale Infirmary have had to be reviewed.

Healthcare experts believe that keeping certain cardiology services at Rochdale Infirmary without the support of other acute services would be a serious risk to patient safety.

A series of open meetings will be held so that members of the public can hear more about the planned changes, find out what these changes will mean for them, ask questions and have their say.

There are also proposals looking at stroke rehabilitation services, particularly in relation to whether a new ‘step down,’ non urgent stroke facility within Rochdale should be provided. This would be where local patients could continue their rehabilitation after the first urgent phase of medical care is over.

The proposal is looking at whether this new facility should be provided in Rochdale or whether the current service at Fairfield General Hospital should continue.

The meetings will be hosted by a panel of clinicians specialising in heart and stroke conditions, who will discuss the options and answer questions from the public.

Sir Jonathan Asbridge, Healthy Futures Programme Director says: “It is important for local people to come along to the public meetings to find out what the proposals will mean for local cardiology and stroke rehabilitation services.

“The local NHS is making incredible advances and it is important for patients to understand the context for change. We will be using a variety of mechanisms to find out what people’s views are about these proposals.”

The public meetings are part of a 12 week formal consultation process around the changes which starts on 17 October and concludes on 14 January.

Public meetings: 

• Monday 17 October at 6.30pm at Castlemere Community Centre, Tweedale Street, Rochdale, OL11 1HH.
  If you plan to attend this meeting register at http://hfrochdale.eventbrite.com 
• Tuesday 18 October at 5.30pm at The Fusilier Museum, Moss Street, Bury, BL9 0D.
  If you plan to attend this meeting register at http://www.eventbrite.com/event/2249478250 
• Wednesday 19 October at 6.30pm at The Honeywell Centre, Hadfield Street, Oldham, OL8 3BP.
  If you plan to attend this meeting register at http://hfoldham.eventbrite.com