After the last-minute announcement from Oldham’s Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) that the planned redevelopment of Shaw and Crompton’s Health Centre would not go ahead as currently planned, Shaw councillor and Liberal Democrat Opposition Leader Howard Sykes and Crompton councillor Louie Hamblett, the health and social care spokesperson, have held a meeting with CCG representatives to get answers for the delay and to push for the work to go ahead.
“I have already got assurance from Oldham Council (the Chief Executive) they will keep the land for this project and do what they can to make this happen,” stated councillor Sykes.
At an urgent meeting on April 7 the CCG set out the “unforeseen” factors that had contributed to its decision including a rise in the cost of building materials.
Councillor Sykes said: “It is bitterly disappointing for our community that the CCG have taken this backwards step. Residents rightly expect healthcare services across Shaw and Crompton to be there when they need them. We demanded a full update from the CCG who have given assurances that everything will be done to overcome this recent setback. We have been clear that residents expect action and not finger pointing. It was a very full and frank meeting.”
In a detailed letter sent to councillor Sykes after the meeting, the CCG acknowledged the ‘robust challenge’ from Crompton and Shaw’s Liberal Democrat representatives and set out the details actions it would take to try and resolve the situation and the reason for its last-minute decision.
Welcoming the CCG’s letter, councillor Sykes said, “The CCG have indicated the steps it will take to move this situation forward, and we are clear that the focus must be on delivering the modern health care facility that our communities deserve. With hundreds of new homes being built in the area, we cannot afford for the CCG and others to sit on their hands.”
“It was a positive meeting and I take the CCG at their word that they will do all they can to get this project back on track. They have spelt out the challenges with the original proposal and what they are going to do to address them. However, this is an NHS project. We will continue to push for action as we always have done. Residents in Shaw and Crompton have waited far too long for this much needed redevelopment,” he added.
