Speech by Brenda Kerslake.
Before we discuss my report can I congratulate the Council for their firm stance against the cuts to services at Rochdale Infirmary. The united stance by this Council is part of the reason why the Secretary of State for Health has called this in for further scrutiny. This is a victory of common sense for the people of Rochdale and Heywood. Of course, we are here discussing vital services at both Fairfield Hospital and Rochdale Infirmary. The fact that health bosses were willing to close these services in the whole of the North East Sector of the Acute Pennine Trust was a disgrace. I hope that the Independent Reconfiguration Panel whatever its make up will recognise the importance of Child Care and Maternity services to this Borough and vote to keep Child Care and Maternity at Rochdale Infirmary and Fairfield Hospital.
