GP centre’s open day

Debbie Abrahams, Oldham East and Saddleworth MP

Councillors have raised concerns over how a medical practice — which officially opens later this month — is being used.

The questions, from Garth Harkness and Derek Heffernan, come at the announcement the purpose-built surgery in Delph will be officially opened by Debbie Abrahams, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth.

Councillor Harkness: “We are receiving complaints the surgery is still not fully operational and we feel this needs addressing urgently.”

Councillor Heffernan, the borough mayor elect, who is also on the Health and Wellbeing Board, added: “The additional services promised have not materialised and clinics are being cancelled without notice.” The councillors have written to Saddleworth Medical Practice and the NHS Oldham Clinical Commissioning group.

The multi-million pound surgery supports 5,000 patients in Delph and surrounding villages and last year, after the Chronicle intervened, BT installed a communications link after delays.

Now patients and locals are invited to visit the surgery between 10am and 2pm on Friday, September 18, with the official opening at 11am when details of the planned future usage will be revealed.

Royce Franklin, chair of the patient participation group says: “It is hoped as many patients as possible will come to see the new premises.”

Debbie Abrahams said: “I’m so pleased to have been asked to officially open the new surgery in Delph especially after having helped them through all the delays they endured with getting broadband connected.

“I’m sure locals will be delighted too now they’re getting an excellent surgery in a purpose-built building.”

A spokesman for Saddleworth Medical Practice said they had not received any communications from the councillors.

But in a statement they said: “All residents of the area and patients of the practice are welcome to the official opening when details of its planned future usage will be given alongside other exciting new services for the practice.

“We are very proud to be able to celebrate the opening of our branch surgery and would like to take this opportunity to thank our patients for their patience with the time it has taken to get to this point.”