Full statement of the Trafford Liberal Democrat Group on the findings of the Urgent Care Review

Following the release of the Trafford Urgent Care Review earlier this week, Trafford Liberal Democrats state our strong opposition to the recommended permanent closure of Altrincham Minor Injuries Unit and the relocation of urgent care provision to Wythenshawe Hospital. 

The loss of local urgent care provision for Altrincham, Timperley, Hale Barns and the surrounding areas is completely unacceptable and incompatible with the stated corporate strategy of Trafford Council. 

It is the view of Liberal Democrat councillors that the Urgent Care Review has drawn the wrong conclusion based on lazy and short-sighted assumptions about the south Trafford area.  It is inconceivable that Altrincham Hospital should lose this service permanently at a time when Timperley is earmarked for the development of 2,500 new houses on the Timperley Wedge site. 

Trafford Council’s stated ambition to show leadership on carbon reduction is also incompatible with the recommendation to relocate Altrincham Minor Injuries to Wythenshawe, particularly as the review’s recommendation is predicated on high levels of car ownership in the South Trafford area, thus actively encouraging more car journeys to Wythenshaweby people who live within walking distance or a few tram stops of Altrincham Hospital.  This will increase pressure on local ambulance services and will isolate residents who do not drive. 

We note that, under the previous Conservative government, the ‘Minor Injuries’ model for urgent treatment was phased out in 2015.The new model of ‘Urgent Treatment Centres’ – like the one at Trafford General Hospital – is used to meet the same demands.  Trafford Liberal Democrats believe that an Urgent Treatment Centre should be opened at Altrincham Hospital, bringing provision in the south of Trafford in line with the north.   

Trafford Council’s Leadership must take action to strongly oppose the recommendation relocate this service outside of Trafford and must work with NHS Greater Manchester and the government to safeguard local urgent treatment provision for the future.

Having campaigned against the closure of the Minor Injuries Unit during the recent General Election, Altrincham and Sale West’s new Labour MP must also urge Trafford Council to act and work alongside the council and partners to safeguard the provision of urgent care. 

In our role as opposition councillors, the Liberal Democrats will use every tool at our disposal to fight against the permanent loss of urgent care provision at Altrincham Hospital.

Trafford Liberal Democrat Group

Cllr Shaun Ennis, Cllr Will Frass, Cllr Jane Brophy, Cllr Julian Newgrosh, Cllr Simon Lepori & Cllr Meena Minnis