Council Leader condemns early A&E closure

Leader of the Council, Irene Davidson, has condemned the recent announcement that Rochdale Infirmary's Accident and Emergency department will be closing at midnight.

The recent decision was revealed by Rochdale's Liberal Democrat MP, Paul Rowen, who has been campaigning to save the hospital's maternity services.

Councillor Irene Davidson said,

"The latest revelations about Rochdale Infirmary are yet another nail in the coffin for Rochdale's health services.

Rochdale is a big town and we need to have a fully functioning A&E, at all times of the day. The Labour Government has completely disregarded the needs of our town and this decision to close the A&E at midnight must be laid at their door.

How can they possibly expect to attract staff when there is so much uncertainty regarding the future of the hospital?"

Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Health and Social Care, Dale Mulgrew added,

"The staff at Rochdale Infirmary are working incredibly hard under very uncertain conditions. We need to ensure they receive our full support."