Local GP blasted at NHS Trust Public Consultation meeting

Wednesday 25 January saw the first of a series of discussions billed 'Public Consultation' organised by Rochdale Primary Care Trust (PCT), taking place to address public concern over the future of Rochdale Infirmary and the planned reconfiguration of services throughout the four Pennine Trust hospitals.

A packed meeting saw a passionate and at times very heated debate that was monopolised from the platform by local GP Dr Nick Dawes. So vociferous was Dr Dawes that Sir Cyril Smith, not exactly reticent himself, called upon him to "declare his other interests", Dr Dawes skated round the issue and maintained he was present only  in his role as a local GP.

The presentation from the platform was either in depth or lengthy depending on where you stand on what constitutes public consultation, but a number of those who attended complained that the speakers went on so long it seemed they were trying to ensure there was as little time for questions from the floor as possible.

Linda Phillips thought the presentation was difficult to follow, she said: "the speakers droned on and on with statistics and things that an ordinary member of the public would find it hard to understand and put into perspective, they did on a couple of occasions mention that it was hard to understand but failed to clarify any points raised in the little time allowed for questions."

Danielle Fairbrother complained about the use of jargon: "What annoyed me about the meeting was that I felt that they were trying to blind me with statistics and jargon. For example, I didn't realise PCT stood for Primary Care Trust until I got home."

Linda Phillips added: "I know what PCT is, but LIFT?"

In fact, so frustrated did the floor become with what appeared to be "stalling" tactics from the platform that a slow hand-clap ensued along with cries of cries of "throw them out" and "resign"!'

Local Liberal Democrat agent Dave Hennigan added fuel to the fire when he revealed he had a copy of a Healthy Futures press release written by Maggie Doyle that said that "Petitions are not worth the paper they are written on" - this put the Trust representatives on the defensive and they could only respond by saying it was an "early draft" not intended for publication.  However, the meeting was in little doubt that was indeed the sentiment of the Trust given their representative also went on to say: "signatures cannot be analysed, people needed to fill in the forms and state WHY they were opposed to the proposals". Mr Hennigan replied he thought the Trust were guilty of a disgraceful attitude toward the 20,000+  people that had signed the petition in protest at the proposed loss of services at Rochdale Infirmary.

There were also vociferous complaints about the amount of money that must have been spent (or wasted according to many) on the plethora of glossy brochures and leaflets on hand.

With little time for many questions from the floor perhaps the most significant came from Cllr Jean Ashworth who asked whether the 'LIFT' centres would be open 24 hours, the Trust representatives tried to evade answering the question but following several prompts finally admitted that they would not.

Midwives from the Infirmary made a plea for the retention of maternity services at the hospital highlighting the number of babies born in the town and the difficulty that would ensue should their be no local provision of maternity services.

Dr Zaklama and his wife Dr Birkett tried to contribute at this point and though refused the opportunity by the chairman managed to get themselves heard and were deeply critical of Dr Dawes accusing him of not "representing the GP's in Rochdale."

Members of the public also expressed their concerns over the consequences on travel that the loss of services would cause. People from Walsden and Todmorden complained they already had to travel 7 miles to the Infirmary and that to add another 7 miles could result in disastrous consequences.

Conservative councillor, Jane Gartside, spoke passionately about Rochdale having already been "downsized" from two hospitals to one and now it was proposed that there be even less provision by reducing that one hospital to a ‘locality’ hospital. Cllr Gartside added: "we must retain the 'blue light' services and all the maternity services at both of which we excel.  Rochdale babies should be born in Rochdale and cared for in Rochdale.  My severely broken leg was mended in Rochdale for which I am eternally grateful."

Conservative leader, Ian Duckworth, said: "I was surprised to find more support for the proposals than expected with slightly less than half the audience applauding the health authority people at some stages.

"The debate did become quite heated and it was obvious strong views were held by people opposing the proposals. It was also felt by many that the options for our hospital contained no real choice, it being reduced in size and services no matter what."

The debate about the merits or otherwise of the ‘Public Consultation’ and this particular meeting continues on the Rochdale Online message board at:

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/Forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=3360