At the Oldham Council meeting on Wednesday 7th October 2018 Liberal Democrat Councillor Garth Harkness called for the council, as part of the Health Impact Assessment to bring more varied health services to Saddleworth.
Councillor Garth Harkness said: “Liberal Democrats have long since campaigned for better health outcomes in this chamber including creating health equality for mental health and more access to defibrillators – both 24 hours and in public buildings. I support the creation of a Health Impact Assessment to make improvements in health and wellbeing.”
Councillor Garth Harkness argued that evidence from government papers clearly points to delivering services locally and that the new cluster structure can be an opportunity for Saddleworth.
He said: “The creation of the clusters lends itself to developing better local services. Saddleworth is almost alone in our borough without one of the modern, integrated healthcare centres other areas take for granted. Saddleworth people still have to go to hospital for some services places like Royton and Glodwick now have on their doorsteps. Our doctors provide an excellent service bit Saddleworth’s population is growing and we need more GPs to cut long waits.
“I believe Oldham council and the NHS Oldham Clinical Commissioning group should work together and with local members to enhance primary care health services in Saddleworth.”