Calls for new diagnostics centre after unit shuts

The minor injuries unit at Altrincham General Hospital was shut during the coronavirus pandemic over staff shortages

Calls are being made for a new diagnostic centre to be based at a Greater Manchester hospital following a controversial move to permanently close its minor injuries unit.

Residents and local politicians opposed the closure of the unit at Altrincham General Hospital, which was confirmed in March.

The unit was shut during the coronavirus pandemic because of staff shortages and specialist nursing staff were deployed to other sites like Wythenshawe Hospital, where residents in south Trafford must now go to get treatment.

Altrincham and Sale West MP Connor Rand said he was now in "active discussions" with the government to boost services offered in Altrincham.

Rand said: "I consistently opposed the closure of the minor injuries unit.

"But since the disappointing decision to close it was confirmed, I have been in active discussions with the government.

"We need new services at Altrincham Hospital that will reduce pressure on Trafford General and Wythenshawe Hospital and save local residents unnecessary journeys.

"A diagnostics centre would do this. I'll continue to press for this in the weeks and months ahead."

'Spiralling waiting lists'

His call followed comments by Trafford Council's Liberal Democrat spokesman for health, Councillor Simon Lepori, who is also a health professional, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Lepori said the decision to permanently close the unit had left "unanswered questions about the future of local health services in south Trafford". 

He continued: "How are we going to tackle spiralling waiting lists at Trafford General and Wythenshawe Hospitals? How can we support people who are struggling to access GP services? 

"What will the three empty rooms that housed the unit be used for now?

"Trafford Liberal Democrats are calling on the Labour Party and NHS Greater Manchester bosses to establish a permanent diagnostic centre at Altrincham."

A statement from NHS Greater Manchester said it was "committed to ensuring local residents have access to the right healthcare when they need it".

It added: "We are exploring how to make the best use of the space within Altrincham Hospital as part of wider plans to improve healthcare across Greater Manchester."