MP chairs public meeting in Saddleworth to address ‘concerns about healthcare’

Debbie Abrahams MP, chair, is pictured (right) with David Jago (centre) from the Northern Care Alliance NHS Trust and Mike Barker (left), from Greater Manchester NHS Integrated Care

Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Debbie Abrahams convened and chaired a public meeting in Greenfield to address local residents’ concerns about healthcare in the area.

More than 60 people attended the meeting, held at the Satellite Centre, which featured a panel of speakers including David Jago, from Northern Care Alliance NHS Trust, and Mike Barker, from NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care.

Cllr Barbara Beeley from Saddleworth Parish Council also attended.

After the meeting, Ms Abrahams said: "Residents across Saddleworth have been raising concerns about healthcare provision, and in particular access to GPs, with me for some time.  

"The meeting I convened was in response to this, and is part of a series of meetings I’ve been undertaking across Oldham and Saddleworth bringing together constituents and other stakeholders. 

“I was very grateful to Mike Barker from the GM NHS Integrated Care who is responsible for Oldham, and David Jago from Royal Oldham Hospital, for taking part and answering all the questions put to them.

“There were a range of issues discussed: access to existing GP services, the capacity of primary care services to cope with new residents, the travelling to different health services, the co-ordination and communication between different services and patients, the importance of health protection and prevention and mental health services. 

"Mike Barker explained his team, which oversees local GP and primary care provision, is carrying out a review of local healthcare services and assets in the Saddleworth area.

"He promised to come back to the group towards the end of the year to feedback to residents.

“Thank you to all the residents who came along, and for their very constructive and thoughtful questions.”

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