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The fight’s not over

25/10/2006

HOSPITAL campaigners are urging readers to carry on the fight to save Macclesfield's inpatient paediatric and maternity wards.

Councillors Muriel Clampett and Brendan Murphy, who were instrumental in gathering thousands of petition signatures, warn the war is far from over.

Speaking on behalf of both civic campaigners, Coun Murphy said: "There was an overwhelming response from the public but things have gone quiet at the moment because we are waiting on the outcome from the Joint Committee of PCTs.

"I am concerned that during this lull to save Macclesfield Hospital some may think that the hospital has been saved - far from it! As we can see from what is happening in other parts of the country we are still in danger."

He gave a big thank you to everyone who had taken part and added: "We hope that people will rally again after the final decision is known, either to celebrate a good decision or continue to wage a war for a good decision."

And the former East Cheshire NHS Trust chairman still believes Macclesfield is in danger of becoming nothing more than a cottage hospital if inpatient paediatrics and maternity are lost.

Peter Hayes said: "If Macclesfield has no consultants in these specialties it could not support a proper A&E department and if that goes the rest will surely follow and no real hospital will be left here."