On 18 September 2024, the NHS Greater Manchester (NHS GM) board accepted a set of recommendations following the Trafford Urgent Care Review.
More information is available in our Board papers published online, which summarise a total of 13 recommendations over seven priority areas following the comprehensive review of urgent and emergency services in the borough.
Mark Fisher, Chief Executive at NHS Greater Manchester, said: “We once again thank residents, politicians and health and care partners who have taken part in the Trafford Urgent Care Review.
“One of the recommendations of the review is the permanent closure of the Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) service based in two rooms at Altrincham Hospital. It was stood down during the Covid-19 pandemic due to national shortages in specialist nursing staff required to run the unit. Permanent closure involves the continued relocation of the MIU’s services and staff to Wythenshawe Hospital, approximately three miles away.
“All other services currently being provided at Altrincham Hospital would continue and other options for the use of these two rooms will now be considered.
“In addition, we will investigate the possibility of bringing ‘out-of-hours’ (outside 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday) GP care into, or closer to, Trafford, as well as improved methods of communication with patients to help to direct them to the right services.
“We are also exploring a pilot scheme to look at how pharmacies can support to get more emergency GP appointments across Trafford, and we will be giving greater focus to the provision of healthcare services for residents living in Partington.
“A programme of work will begin during the next 12 months or more to bring about the improvements and changes as part of the review. We are also working closely with NHS England to ensure that our next steps in involving the public in our work are appropriate.”
