‘Turn out in force to save health unit’

PEOPLE are being urged to turn out in force as a consultation to save mental health care starts today.

A 12-week consultation period on the future of the Millbrook Unit will host its first meeting at Macclesfield Town Hall at 2.30pm today.

Under the plans, either dementia or mental health in patient services could be moved to Chester, with just six beds being made available locally.

And some believe it is brook’s survival. The 56-year-old said: “It will have a drastic impact.

“There will be people admitted to A&E waiting for transport to Chester, it is disgraceful. There is also the question of communication between services.

“They are going to be 40 miles away from Macclesfield, is there going to be miscommunication?”

He added: “My message to people would be to get down there if you can and if you can’t then email saying you want your opinion to be heard and that we need to keep it open. That is what my message would be.”

Councillor Janet Jackson, who represents Macclesfield Central, has also shared her concerns over the consultation.

She says the town desperately needs provisions and she wants residents and supporters to let their concerns be known.

She said: “I hope the Millbrook will be retained for the benefit of the residents and I hope they consider the views of the residents and look to keep the unit open.

“We need services here in Macclesfield. People will have to travel considerable mileage and a lot of the people are elderly and will not be able to do that journey. People should turn out in force and make their views heard. I would hope they will be able to sway the decision and retain the service for the residents in Macclesfield.”

As well as the first meeting at the town hall today (Wednesday, March 21), there will a second opportunity for residents at an open day at Macclesfield Town FC, from 6.30pm until 8.30pm on May 23.