Fears of Fatalities as Life-Saving Gynaecology Services Face Major Relocation Across Manchester

Greater Manchester, UK – Plans are reportedly underway to relocate vital emergency gynaecology services from Salford Royal Hospital to the Royal Oldham Hospital, a move that would see some patients facing a journey of over 20 miles. The potential transfer of this critical service, which treats life-threatening conditions such as ectopic pregnancies and severe bleeding, has sparked significant concern among health professionals and local politicians, with some sources warning it, "will cause fatalities".

The Manchester Evening News has learned from multiple health sources that discussions are being held behind closed doors regarding the closure of the emergency gynaecology department at Salford Royal and its consolidation at the Royal Oldham Hospital. This unit is crucial for women experiencing severe abdominal pain, significant bleeding, and complications during pregnancy, often requiring immediate surgical intervention.

Health professionals on the ground express grave fears that the increased travel time for vulnerable patients could act as a barrier to seeking urgent medical attention. "The cost and length of transport will steer patients in serious pain and potentially life-threatening conditions away from seeking help," stated one concerned source. Another added, "We suspect it will cause fatalities".

The proposed move would mean patients from Salford and surrounding areas would need to travel considerably further to access emergency gynaecology care. While alternative options like Royal Bolton Hospital, Wythenshawe Hospital, or North Manchester General Hospital have been suggested, these are still over an hour's travel from Salford, and significantly longer for residents in the deeper parts of the borough. This could place an increased strain on the already stretched North West Ambulance Service, if patients are forced to rely on ambulances for transport.

Salford's Member of Parliament, Rebecca Long-Bailey, has been alerted to the proposed relocation and has strongly condemned the plans. In a letter addressed to the hospital trust's chief executive, Ms. Long-Bailey urged against the move, highlighting the potential negative impact on patient access and safety. She has also demanded detailed information regarding the anticipated effects on patient flow, staffing rotas, and the capacity at the Royal Oldham site, along with any proposed measures to address transport and accessibility challenges for Salford-based patients.

Responding to the revelations, a spokesperson for the hospital trust stated that, "no decisions have been made", and that "all aspects of the patient journey, including access to treatment, travel, and making sure service users continue to see the right teams as part of their care plan, will be carefully considered". However, the lack of transparency and the escalating concerns from frontline staff suggest a critical decision point is fast approaching for this essential service.