Coronavirus: Oldham MPs and Council leader pledge support and advice

Local MPs and Oldham’s council leader are taking measures to protect constituents, whie providing access to support and advice during the Covid-19 outbreak.

During a telephone conference between leading local politicians, Debbie Abrahams, Jim McMahon, Angela Rayner and council leader Sean Fielding discussed their response to the virus. 

The politicians identified a number of additional measures that need to be taken, including increasing financial security for both individuals and businesses (micro and small businesses in particular); identifying and supporting those people who may be at risk from the virus, but who may not currently be in contact with local services; introducing social distancing measures to reduce infection transmission; defining how we can best support people who need to self-isolate, for example, through Action Together’s volunteer programme and ensuring vulnerable people are protected. 

The politicians have had regular contact with both Oldham Clinical Commissioning Group, Royal Oldham Hospital and Oldham’s Director of Public Health since the Covid-19 outbreak became established in the UK.

They also discussed what they need to be asking from the Government both in terms of health resources but also a funding package for individuals and businesses. 

Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Mrs Abrahams said: “Covid-19 poses a real risk to the public’s health.

"It is important that my staff and I consider how the contacts we have with many different people in the course of the week, may in turn put my constituents at risk, particularly older people or those with pre-existing conditions. 

"By reducing personal contact but increasing the support we can give over the phone or online, we hope to provide the support that thousands of my constituents rely on.

"Similarly, my surgeries will now be conducted over the phone.

“Many of my colleagues are introducing similar measures during this unprecedented crisis.” 

Mrs Abrahams' office will no longer be open for face-to-face meetings with constituents, but will continue to support constituents with their issues via telephone and online.

Her office can be contacted by phone on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 am to 1 pm.

To contact Mrs Abrahams' office email: abrahamsd@parliament.uk, including details about your case, or call on 0161 624 4248 on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday between 9am and 1pm.

She added: “I pay tribute to all our public servants, including in the NHS, social care and more widely.

"The next few weeks are going to be difficult but by working together, supporting each other, we can come through this.”

Oldham West and Royton MP Mr McMahon (above) said: “Following the Covid-19 virus progressing and the government increasingly moving to large scale isolation measures my constituency office will make immediate changes to ensure we can continue to support constituents through what will be an extremely testing and protracted time.

"Steps have been taken to ensure remote working can take place and all staff will be focused on supporting constituents.

"The main office on Union Street will be closed to external visitors and staff will use technology to have access to correspondence and our casework system.

"Telephone messages will be picked up by a dedicated staff member on a rota basis to ensure calls aren’t missed, though we’d greatly appreciate contact by email (jim.mcmahon.mp@parliament.uk) in the first instance.

"No face to face meetings, attendance at public meetings, home or business visits will take place.

"Where it is necessary to obtain paperwork to assist in casework, we will arrange for you to post to the office and it will be returned once copied for our files.

"We will continue to prioritise urgent cases; those are cases which are time critical.

"We expect these to continue to rise and would always ask that you approach to the most appropriate agency in the first instance, and that matters which are not time critical at this time are held back.

"Please take care of yourself and loved ones.”

Councillor Sean Fielding, Leader of Oldham Council (pictured above), said: “Oldham Council and the local NHS are working closely with Public Health England and our partners across Greater Manchester to ensure we can support the people of Oldham as the situation develops, and that the right advice is available to them.

“Plans are is in place to ensure vital services are continued to be delivered in case of staff shortages and big increases in demand. 

"We are encouraging people to access services online to reduce people coming into contact with each other – such as in our customer service areas. 

“Everyone can play their part to help - protect yourself and your family and friends from sickness and look out for your neighbours. 

“If you can volunteer, look out for future opportunities with Action Together – who now more than ever are relying on all our support to help those most in need.”  

Angela Rayner, MP for Ashton-under-Lyne (which includes Failsworth), has cancelled face to face advice surgeries until further notice.

Along with her constituency team, she will continue to provide help and support by phone (0161-342 5800) or by email (angela.rayner.mp@parliament.uk). 

---

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.