CONCERNS ON WARD CLOSURE
LIKE many of my constituents, when I heard the news relating to Stepping Hill, my immediate thoughts turned to those patients and staff affected.
Whilst I have sought reassurance that patient care will not be compromised, it’s vital that all avenues are explored in efforts to manage the deficit.
I fully understand that the closure of hospital beds is an emotive issue. Some of my constituents have contacted me to express their concerns and I am keen to ensure that people are given the facts.
I am now seeking further clarification from the Trust on how the hospital will manage with the loss of beds without impacting on patients.
And I have requested a breakdown of the types of posts being lost - some of which I understand are already vacant - in order to assess the potential impact on frontline medical services.
It’s crucial that going forward the hospital is on a sound financial footing and these measures must be seen within the wider context of the ongoing cost improvement programme.
This means changing how we do things. It means making health and social care more accessible to people and re-designing services to reduce pressures on hospitals.
The reality is that advances in modern surgery mean fewer patients require overnight accommodation after surgery, which is an opportunity welcomed by many people.
Meanwhile, there is much to be positive about. Stockport has recently secured investment from Greater Manchester’s £450m health and social care transformation fund. The Stockport Together partnership – which includes the hospital, GPs and the local authority – has received an additional £19 million of extra money to fund radical transformation programmes. Furthermore, a new £20 million surgical and medical centre is due to open in October, which will provide a better environment for care.
I have visited Stepping Hill Hospital many times to discuss how it plans to deliver the best outcomes for patients in an era of unprecedented change.
This is a period of unparalleled demand, an ageing population, and a rise in the number of those living with multiple long-term health conditions.
We need to change if we are to meet the demands of 21st century medical and social care. Mary Robinson Conservative MP for Cheadle