New consultation on
primary health care
by David Skentelbery
HEALTH chiefs are soon to announce details of a new public consultation on proposals to modernise primary care in the centre of Warrington.
A presentation has already been given to the borough council?s health overview and scrutiny committee ? but according to some members of the public who were present it provided more questions than answers.
And there are fears that the consultation will take place in mid-January – at the same time as North Cheshire Hospitals? launch a consultation on their own proposed application for a Foundation Trust.
This could lead to confusion between the two consultation processes.
Andrew Burgess, chief executive of Warrington Primary Care Trust, gave a presentation to the scrutiny committee ? and immediately afterwards a second presentation was given by Chris Knights, director of business development at North Cheshire Hospitals.
Earlier this year there a public uproar over PCT proposals to close most GP surgeries in Warrington and replace them with up to five ?super health centres? strategically sited across the borough and each offering a wide range of health services.
The plan was dropped following fierce opposition from the public and from GPs.
New proposals are understood to involve two new health centres, located at Orford Park and on the site of the existing Garven Place health centre off Sankey Street.
Existing GP practices in Bold Street, Bewsey Street and at the Eric Moore Health Centre would move into one or other of the two centres.
But there are concerns that the scheme would also involve GP practices in Manchester Road, Warrington and at Fearnhead.
Local health campaigner John Mulhall, who attended the scrutiny meeting, said: ?The question now is, how far do the PCT intend to cast their net? It could be they are considering inching back towards a scheme similar to one already rejected by the public.
?GPs are said to be supportive of the idea and it would make sense to move the three town centre GP practices on to one site. But if they are going out as far as Fearnhead it would be very different. People are not going to want to travel into the town centre to see their doctor.?
The PCT are understood to be going to issue a statement on their proposals in the near future.
North Cheshire Hospitals are planning a 12-week consultation on their application for Foundation Trust status, starting in mid-January. They have to have their bid in by April 28 and hope to receive approval around next Autumn.
?18 – the cost of
spending a penny!
by Lesley Wilkinson
THE cost of spending a penny has risen to ?18 per visit – and that’s why the village of Stockton Heath, near Warrington is unlikely to get new public toilets.
Based on average usage, new “superloos” cost ?18 for each person who pays 20p to use them, the parish council was told.
Public toilets in the centre of Stockton Heath were closed some time ago following complaints of “unsavoury” activities and obscene graffiti.
But the parish council has received numerous complaints about the lack of toilets and asked the borough to look into the possibility of installing a vandal proof superloo similar to those at nearby Lymm.
Coun Marilyn Timmins said: “There is a desperate need for public toilets in the village.” Sara Tomlinson, acting estates services manager for the borough council, said funds had not been allocated for a superloo in the village.
The rental cost was ?20,000 a year and there was a 20 year minimum lease – meaning the capital cost was ?400,000.
Older People’s Forum
to get its own home
by James Parr
WARRINGTON?S Older People’s Forum has finally managed to secure its own home – after 10 years of searching.
Treasurer Alf Clemo was on hand to announce the new venue at their Christmas party held at the Alford Hall.
The forum will be based at the Baptist Church in Sankey Street, Warrington, opposite Bank Park.
This means that the forum will be able to hold its own line dancing classes, tea dances and meetings in the church hall.
Mr Clemo said: “This partnership with the church will now allow the forum to add many more activities to our already busy programme. We have a lot of sponsors to thank for making the move happen, in particular Help The Aged.
“Our aim is to prevent isolation and poverty among the ever growing elderly population of Warrington.”
Any person aged 50 and over can join the forum by contacting Mr Clemo on 01925 820 602.
Membership is free and the forum meets on the first Monday of every month at 1pm.
Counterfeit toys
warning from council
by James Parr
TRADING Standards officers are urging shoppers in Warrington to “think carefully” when buying toys this Christmas.
The warning comes after they seized a number of counterfeit toys being sold in the town centre.
In particular, officers have seized a remote control flying saucer, which had an image of Spider Man on the box and the saucer itself.
When they investigated the product further, not only did they discover it was counterfeit, but that it was also fitted with an unsafe adaptor plug that could have led to users touching live pins and being electrocuted.
All toys sold in the UK must have the CE mark on the box and must also detail the importer or manufacturer’s name.
The toys Trading Standards officers seized had the CE mark on them, but no importer or manufacturer’s name.
Officers are now reminding shoppers to think carefully about buying products from temporary outlets or from overseas, as it may be difficult to return them afterwards.
Borough council executive member for Community Services, Coun Roy Smith said: “There is only one winner when fake goods are bought and it’s not the child, or the parent who has saved money by buying the goods. It’s the global network of criminals, which controls this hugely profitable trade in fakes.”
Anyone who has concerns about products they have bought or seen on sale should contact Warrington Trading Standards on 08454 04 05 06.
Hospital radio offers
some festive cheer
by James Parr
PATIENTS at Warrington Hospital are being offered the chance of some festive cheer as Radio General begins its Christmas season of outside broadcasts.
The hospital radio station will be treating the patients to performances from the Warrington Male Voice Choir, Warrington Light Opera’s Christmas Gala concert and the Leyland Band.
All of the concerts start at 7.30pm on December 15, 16 and 22, being broadcast on the Patientline bedside units.
On Christmas Eve there will be a special broadcast of “Songs of Praise” live from Bethesda Evangelical Church in Stockton Heath.
Secretary at Radio General, Keith Inman, said: “Christmas is a difficult time if people are in hospital. By presenting these outside broadcasts we hope that the patients can feel part of what’s going on around the town.
?Also if you know someone in Warrington Hospital over the Christmas period why not pass on your best wishes and season?s greetings with a Radio General Request, the request line is 01925 662122.”
Technology
whizz-kids!
by Lesley Wilkinson
YOUNGSTERS from Warrington have been chosen to take part in a national technology extravaganza.
Children, parents and teachers from five different primary schools – St Bridget’s, St Andrews, Oakwood, Evelyn Street and Alderman Bolton – will attend the BETT showcase at London’s Olympia in January.
They were chosen to mark their increased use of Ultra Mobile handheld computers, and will offer lessons to visitors at the event. The show is the country’s largest educational technology conference.
During their visit to London they will also enjoy sightseeing trips.
Coun Sheila Woodyatt, executive
board member for children’s services, said: “It is wonderful that these children have the opportunity to take part in the BETT conference and represent the borough at such a prestigious event.”
