Rochdale Infirmary - judicial review turned down

High Court Judge, Mr Justice Walker, has ruled that the NHS met it's obligations regarding consultation on the Healthy Futures programme affecting A&E services at Rochdale Infirmary and as a result turned down the request for a judicial review made by David and Lisa-Louise Fitton of Smallbridge.

Depsite the setback Richard Scorer of Manchester law firm Pannone has agreed to continue to help the Fitton's fight on and is to seek an oral hearing.

Campaigners against the closure of Rochdale A&E have expressed their disappointment but vowed to continue the fight.

Paul Rowen MP said: "I was disappointed that the judge refused permission for a full judicial review.

"I believe the Fittons have a very good case.

"We all know that campaigns like this take time and sometimes their are setbacks but it is important that we carry on fighting if we are to protect our local health services."

Councillor Jean Ashworth agreed adding: "I am extremely disapointed by the judge's ruling and the fact that he has refused permission for a full judicial reveiw.

"The fight does not end here, we will continue to put Rochdale's case forward  for family's like Lisa and Dave Fitton who lost their son Dion only a few months ago and still continue to fight for their other son Jordan-Lee whose life depends on emergency care. Dave and Lisa know more than any one of us the importance of getting a child to A&E as quickly as is possible. This is a bit of a knock-back but we are determined to fight for the likes of Jordan's future healthcare; Dion's brave fight is sadly over but his memory will live on."

Richard Scorer, partner at Pannone, said: "We are applying for an oral hearing at which we will argue that we should receive leave to go to a full hearing where we will continue to argue the case for Jordan Fitton and his parents."

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Date article online: 18/03/2007