Decision on Infirmary cuts review imminent

Rochdale MP Paul Rowen has welcomed news that Health Secretary Alan Johnson MP will finally make a decision that could affect thousands of lives.  The decision on the 'Making it Better' and 'Healthy Futures' consultations, being announced later this morning, Friday 24 August, has been widely expected, despite a cloak and dagger operation by the Department of Health. 

Mr Rowen has been campaigning to save vital services at Rochdale Infirmary.  This includes Accident and Emergency, Child Care and Maternity Services.  The two year battle has seen dozens of protests, over 50,000 petitions in Rochdale alone and an attempt to get the decision overturned in the High Court.  The process was started by former Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt and will be completed by the new Health Secretary Alan Johnson.

An Independent Reconfiguration Panel has been examining both consultations and Mr Johnson has considered their report. 

Mr Rowen said: "This is a huge decision and I hope Mr Johnson looks at common sense.  For far too long the Government have been saying that this is a decision that needs to be made locally.  Well now the buck stops with Mr Johnson.  He has an opportunity to prove that this Government has changed and really is listening. 

"This has been a hard battle and we’ve done everything possible.  The people of Rochdale will be looking for a decision that retains vital services.  Anything else is completely unacceptable and proves that this Labour Government are happy to ignore the will of the people."

Date article online: 24/08/2007