Macclesfield MP David Rutley visited Macclesfield District General Hospital recently to witness first-hand how staff are meeting the challenge of winter pressures.
David was accompanied by East Cheshire NHS Trust chairman Lynn McGill as he visited a number of medical wards, the Accident and Emergency Department and the Children’s Ward on one of his regular seasonal visits.
David saw how staff are working particularly hard to ensure the safety and quality of services, despite A&E and the wider hospital and trust’s community services becoming very busy in recent weeks.
This trend has been reflected across most other hospitals nationally, partly because the colder weather impacts on frail, older people with complex health needs. The trust recently urged people to only attend A&E for appropriate conditions and to instead consider approaching pharmacists, GPs and NHS 111 for less serious ailments.
David said: “I met with a number of staff members and I wish to thank each and every one of the team.
“The hospital is undoubtedly facing a very high level of patient demand at the moment and its services are facing challenges, but as always I received lots of positive feedback from patients and was impressed by the commitment and dedication of staff members.
“The recent winter pressures highlight the strategic importance of developing a more integrated approach to health and social care services. I’m pleased that positive progress is being made in this area.”
Lynn added: “I am delighted that David was able to witness the commitment and dedication of our staff first-hand and would like to thank them on behalf of the trust for all their hard work last year.
"The trust would also like to thank David for his visit today and extend our warmest wishes to our patients for 2015.”