Support has been pouring in for the campaign to back Macclesfield hospital’s bid to become a Foundation Trust.
‘Health in Your Hands’ was launched last week and urges readers to support the application by East Cheshire NHS Trust, which runs the hospital.
By becoming a Foundation Trust, health chiefs will have more freedom to manage local affairs and finances, and protect the hospital’s future.
It will be more accountable to the community and make decisions based on local needs.
But this change is more than just aspirational – it is compulsory.
The trust has until April 2014 to successfully apply to central government or risk another trust or private company taking control of our local health services – including Macclesfield Hospital.
To succeed the trust must prove it can maintain high clinical standards, top quality leadership, tight financial controls and that it has the support of the trust’s 3,500 staff. Critically, it must also prove it has the support of the community it serves. Between now and end of the consultation process in February the Express will cover the application’s key issues.
We also want to hear what you have to say about the issue. You can do so by emailing macclesfieldexpress@menmedia.co.uk or writing to the editor at Mitchell Henry House, Hollinwood Avenue, Chadderton, Oldham, OL9 8EF.
Alternatively, drop in or post items to us at our new Macclesfield office at Office 1c, 11 Market Place, Macclesfield, SK10 1DX
