Quick, convenient health services on your doorstep

Dr Paul Griffiths from Durnford Dermatology, patient Vinny Gillespie, and John Pierce, Chair of Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Primary Care Trust

Patients can now get faster and more convenient treatment thanks to the launch of new health services across Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale.

Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Primary Care Trust (HMRPCT) have commissioned CATS – Clinical Assessment and Treatment Services – which are services provided by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals at primary care facilities, like local GP practices, medical centres and clinics.

In most cases, patients will now only have to attend a single appointment for a full clinical assessment, appropriate diagnostic tests and, if required, minor treatment. For patients who need to be referred to hospital, they will be able to get pre-admission tests in CATS, before choosing which hospital they want to go to for treatment.

One of the first patients through the door to use CATS for skin treatment is retired support worker, Vinny Gillepsie, 74.

“I always get a good service anyway,” said Vinny, who is from Middleton. “And now it’s great that I can get seen even quicker without waiting weeks and weeks and without having to go to hospital.”

John Pierce, Chair of Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Primary Care Trust, said: “The new services will reduce waiting times for all patients and release valuable hospital appointments for those with more urgent or complex needs.

“We are bringing services out of hospitals and right into the heart of our communities, providing patients with care closer to their homes.

“Currently, patients with eye and skin conditions can benefit from CATS, and there are plans to bring a whole range of CATS into the community by the end of this year.”

The services will be provided from various locations across the borough.

Skin treatment – provided by Durnford Dermatology

• Durnford Medical Centre, Middleton
• Longford Street Practice, Heywood 
• Ashworth Street Practice, Rochdale
• Healey Surgery, Rochdale

Dr Paul Griffiths from Durnford Dermatology said: “We are committed to providing the highest quality of patient care and this new service will allow us to do this with shorter waiting times, closer to home.

Eye treatment – provided by Care UK

• Durnford Street Clinic, Middleton
• Milnrow Village Practice, Rochdale
• Baillie Street Health Centre, Rochdale

Dr Eduard Lotz, Director of Clinical Services at Care UK said: “Care UK welcomes the opportunity to work with local clinicians in support of the PCT’s vision to continually improve the high quality of care through increasing access and choice of care for patients”
CATS will also be available in the new Heywood health centre when it opens next year.