On 10th November, Caring Together issued a media statement saying that there are “no plans to downgrade Macclesfield A&E to a Minor Injury and Illness Unit”. The statement was issued by Dr Neil Goodwin, Independent Chair of Caring Together Programme Board, and can be found here: https://www.easterncheshireccg.nhs.uk/News/No-Plans-to-downgrade-Maccle…
Local MP for Macclesfield, David Rutley, had previously sought reassurances that a Minor Injuries Unit is not being considered as an option for Macclesfield Hospital and called on health bosses to give clear answers following the leaked initial report regarding the NHS Sustainability and Transformation Plan (STP) for Cheshire & Merseyside.
Following the release of the statement, David said “I am pleased that Caring Together and leaders of local health services have finally made it clear that a Minor Injuries Unit is not planned for Macclesfield Hospital. In a meeting with key health service organisations earlier this week, I expressed my deep disappointment, and that of local residents, that an early draft of the STP strategy document was leaked and that it included factually incorrect information about proposals for Macclesfield Hospital.
“The strength of public concern following reports of the leaked document clearly demonstrates how committed local residents are to our much valued Accident & Emergency services. I will continue to actively work in the months ahead to keep these services at Macclesfield Hospital and press local health service leaders to set out further details on what options are being considered for the future of emergency care in the area.”