Paul Rowen makes plea to Prime Minister in waiting

Date published: 17/05/2007

Rochdale MP Paul Rowen has written to Gordon Brown MP, asking him to intervene and save Rochdale Infirmary services from closure.  In a letter of congratulations to the Chancellor on his forthcoming job Mr Rowen said: "Whilst acknowledging that things need to change, the first thing you need to do is reverse the disastrous policy that has led to nearly half this country's A and E and numerous maternity services being under threat.  This is one issue that you can make a fresh start.  Rochdale Infirmary is hugely popular, with superb staff and I think that closing down A and E, Maternity, Child Care and other services would be disastrous for our town."

Mr Rowen referred in the letter to "...the unbelievable response from the Rochdale public."  He said: "In my 25 years in active politics I have never seen such opposition to a single issue.  We have had over 35,000 signatures against these potential cuts, thousands filled in the consultation forms and hundreds more have attended public meetings and protests. 

"I strongly believe that the decision that will affect Rochdale is fundamentally flawed. 

"I would also bring to your attention the decision of the 'current Secretary of State for Health', Patricia Hewitt MP, who has referred the decision to cut A and E, Maternity and Child Care at Rochdale Infirmary to the Independent Reconfiguration Panel.  Rochdale Council joined Salford and Bury Council's in 'calling in' the decision for further scrutiny.
 
"It is my solid opinion that you need to deal with as soon as possible.  Especially in the light of recent statistics that show the 92 out of 204 A and E Departments are under threat.  Here in the North West we are set to lose 18 A and E Departments, that is the most of any region in the country.  This is simply unacceptable and I await your reply."