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Why the delay?

Jenny Kirby
9/ 8/2006

DELAYS to the outcome of the Making It Better review have been branded "frustrating" and "demoralising" by Macclesfield Hospital campaigners.

The decision on the future of the children's inpatient and maternity wards at our local district general has been put back until December - which the East Cheshire Healthcare Alliance say is spreading despondency and anxiety.

East Cheshire NHS Trust have also expressed their disappointment at the delay but drew encouragement from the huge support shown for the children's and maternity departments.

Councillor Brendan Murphy, spokesman for the alliance, said: "It is very annoying and frustrating, it is clear what the people of Macclesfield want and as far as we're concerned there should be no delay in coming to this decision.

"We think the delay is spreading despondency and is demoralising for mothers-to-be and parents with children who may need medical treatment, not to mention the anxiety and worry amongst hospital staff.

"The longer it takes, the more it costs which is more money down the drain instead of into health services."

The public consultation outcomes were originally expected by the end of September, but it was announced recently that the decision on changes to children's and maternity services across Greater Manchester, East Cheshire and High Peak will be postponed.

The Children, Young People and Families Network has partly attributed the delay to the record number of responses received - many of which were in support of retaining children's and maternity services at Macclesfield.

John Wilbraham, chief executive of East Cheshire NHS Trust, said: "We are obviously disappointed that the decision has been delayed. In the interim however we will continue to provide good services while we await confirmation of the way forward.

"We are encouraged by the fact that the decision process has been delayed in part because of the huge support shown for our children's and maternity departments.

"We continue to support Option D which maintains a 24/7 service at Macclesfield."

Macclesfield Hospital appeared in Option D - one of four possible reconfigurations of sites across the Making It Better, Making It Real review area.

Option A was the preferred option, which if given the go-ahead, means expectant women and children from East Cheshire may have to travel further for medical treatment.