Patients’ Council: Have your say on your local hospitals!

Date published: 11/11/2009

Bury residents are being urged to have their say on the future of their hospitals as part of a major three month public consultation.

The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs North Manchester General Hospital, Fairfield General Hospital in Bury, Rochdale Infirmary and The Royal Oldham Hospital, has launched its 12 week formal consultation exercise as part of its proposal to become an NHS Foundation Trust.

The consultation document called ‘Your Hospitals, Your Choice – Your Voice’, was officially launched last week (Tuesday 3 November 2009) and runs until 29 January 2010
A series of public meetings are to be held in local communities to meet staff from the hospitals, ask questions and find out more about plans for the Trust to become an NHS Foundation Trust.

Monday 16 November (doors open at 6pm) - Irish World Heritage Centre, 10 Queens Road , Manchester M8 8UF

Tuesday 17 November (doors open at 6pm) - Chadderton Town Hall, Middleton Road, Chadderton OL9 6PP

Monday 30 November (doors open at 6pm) - The Pavilion, Masonic Hall, Manchester Road, Middleton M24 4DY

Wednesday 16 December (doors open 6pm) - Radcliffe Civic Suite, Main Hall, Thomas Street, Radcliffe, Manchester M26 2UH

The scrutiny of the consultation process is being monitored by members of the Patients’ Council - an independent group of patients and volunteers from the northeast sector of Greater Manchester.

Paul Mainwaring, Chair of the Patients' Council, said:
“This is the publics’ opportunity as lay people to understand how they could become community representatives on the proposed Foundation Trust’s Board of Governors and help shape future healthcare. It is also a great opportunity for people to raise issues about the proposals direct with representatives of Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust and get a response. I would urge the public not to miss this opportunity”

For further information, please contact: the Patients' Council on 0161 766 9323 or email info@patientscouncil.org.uk

To view the consultation document, to complete the questionnaire, or to register to become a foundation trust member, visit online at www.pat.nhs.uk/foundationtrust or telephone 0161 9184283.