MP queries future of Macclesfield A&E

MP for Macclesfield, David Rutley, has sought reassurances that a Minor Injuries Unit is not being considered as an option for Macclesfield Hospital and has called for health bosses to give clear answers in the wake of the leaked initial report regarding the NHS Sustainability and Transformation Plan (STP) for Cheshire & Merseyside.

Following the media reports, David said: “It is important that vital health services, such as Accident & Emergency services, are safeguarded in Macclesfield, and for surrounding communities that use them, including Buxton, Leek, Congleton and Knutsford.

“In my conversations with the East Cheshire NHS Trust and the Eastern Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group over recent months, I have been told that a Minor Injuries Unit has not been and will not be considered as a serious option for Macclesfield Hospital. The STP team and the CCG need to make that clear to the public. It should not be part of the STP process.

“I will continue to work with service providers, and other MPs, to ensure that vital A&E services continue to be provided at Macclesfield Hospital in the years ahead.”

In response to the reports, Cllr Rachel Bailey, Leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “While this council has been a partner with the clinical commissioning groups in some projects delivered locally, it has not, and will not support Macclesfield hospital having its accident and emergency unit downgraded to a minor injury unit.”

“This council has a clear policy of putting its residents first and this plan does not meet that basic need. We have spoken to the clinical commissioning group and said that it is essential that we work together closely to ensure that the needs of our residents are met.

“I have also been quite clear that together, we must explore further options to make the local NHS more sustainable. The investment in jobs, housing, and employment in our borough, means that we need to redouble our efforts to promote the retention of specialisms in the NHS, not reduce them.

“A longer term view needs to be taken for the sustainability of our borough, I believe that our very successful economy and our strong communities deserve specialisms, not least in providing elderly and mental health wellbeing.

“All these plans need to properly take into account the strong likelihood of having an increased population and a successful economy, which is a stated ambition of this council.

“The council is committed to working in partnership with our NHS colleagues to help transform services to meet local needs.”