Council leader Rishi Shori is urging health bosses to rethink their decision to close Bury and Prestwich Walk-in Centres.
Cllr Shori is calling on NHS Bury Clinical Commissioning Group to allow for the maximum amount of time for a public consultation period, an extension of Bury Walk in Centre’s contract and for public meetings about the decision.
Jonathan Ashworth MP , shadow secretary of state for health and Andy Burnham, Labour’s candidate for May’s Greater Manchester Mayoral elections, joined Cllr Shori and activists at Prestwich Walk-in Centre today.
Cllr Shori said: “These proposals are emotive and controversial. It’s vital that people have the maximum opportunity to have their say on the future of the walk-in centres which is why we have asked for the longest time allowable for public consultation – a full eight weeks.
“The contract for Bury Walk-in Centre will cease on April 1. It is crucial that the results of the consultation are properly considered and if an eight week consultation is allowed from January 25 it would mean Bury would close just over a week after the consultation finishes on March 23.
“We are calling on the CCG to immediately extend the contract for the Bury Walk-in Centre to allow for a meaningful consultation to take place and avoid the perception that the outcome is predetermined irrespective of what the public say.”
Showing Cllr Shori his support, Mr Ashworth, who grew up in Radcliffe, added: “I remember when this walk-in centre opened 16 or 17 years ago and it’s a very popular facility.
“If they close it, it’s going to lead to even more pressure on our hospitals and we know the NHS is going through a crisis – things are going to get worse.
“My message to the Government and local NHS bosses is, think again.”
Article originally published by Bury Times
