Pennine debate ‘overdue’

THIS week, I joined colleagues from neighbouring constituencies for a debate on the failures at Pennine Acute.

This was a long overdue debate. I first raised concern about Pennine Acute in the House of Commons back in 2011, and throughout my time as Rochdale’s Member of Parliament I have repeatedly raised constituents’ concerns with the trust.

At the debate I highlighted the poor leadership which has allowed the crisis at Pennine Acute to carry on for so long. More importantly, I raised with the minister the failure to hold senior managers to account.

How can it be right that a chief executive can simply be moved onto another hospital trust after years of failure?

It was also an opportunity to shine light on individual problems. We have all seen the shocking headlines, and many of you will have your own experiences. As your MP I see behind these headlines and regularly meet people who have been badly treated.

During the debate, I raised the case of Doreen Malone, who sadly passed away on July 22 last year.

She had diabetes and suffered from kidney disease, and as a result was completely dependent on the health service which let her down.

After waiting for a delayed ambulance she waited a further four hours in A&E, before returning without having been seen.

She intended to return in the morning but instead was rushed to hospital hours after the emergency services found her at her home in a critical condition.

She died the following day. A tragedy made all the more tragic as it could have been easily avoided.