Cover image of Delph Health Centre for illustration purposes
SADDLEWORTH’S much-debated new health centre has taken a big step forward.
Politicians from all sides have told how a new facility for the area is needed.
Previously, Conservative councillors Max Woodvine and Graham Sheldon called for Oldham Council to press ahead with plans to give the area a new facility, with the old Saddleworth School site suggested.
Even though they agreed one should be put in, the ruling Labour administration put forward amendments, which were not agreed on.
That has led to more bickering between opposite sides – with the Liberal Democrats also backing calls.
Now a business case for a centre is being developed to attract the funding needed, with a board being put together including all the relevant stakeholders.
Saddleworth West and Lees Lib Dem Councillor Sam Al-Hamdani said: “This is a significant first step in the project.
“We have worked hard with the local Integrated Care Board in particular, who have long acknowledged the need for a centre in Saddleworth.
“The current GP building is way over capacity. It can’t accommodate any extra services which we should have locally, so residents currently end up travelling to the hospital or other centres unnecessarily.”
In the new year, the councillors will also be meeting with the Northern Care Alliance to ensure that it is committed to moving healthcare services into the district so that any new building is used to its full potential.
Saddleworth South Lib Dem Councillor Helen Bishop, who already led negotiations to save the Greenfield GP Practice, added: “This is another piece of significant progress on healthcare that we are delighted to have delivered.
“It’s probably the number one thing that local residents bring up on the doorstep.
“We need to make sure people can get health services locally and access GP appointments when they need them.”
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