Oldham Liberal Democrats warn of NHS winter crisis as government confirms no extra beds this winter for Greater Manchester  

Oldham’s Liberal Democrat leader councillor Howard Sykes MBE has warned of another NHS winter crisis heading for Oldham and Greater Manchester.  The Shaw councillors’ comments come after the government confirmed 900 additional hospital beds across the country to cope with pressure on NHS services, but no extra beds were granted to Greater Manchester trusts. 

Councillor Sykes said, “Once again, Oldham and the rest of Greater Manchester is being left to fend for itself.” 

“With A&E services in crisis, GP surgeries backed up and waiting lists for serious treatments growing with no end in sight, local trusts like Northern Care Alliance which serves Oldham are already failing to cope.”

“Clearly the Conservative government are walking away from any pledge to support the NHS in Greater Manchester.  Liberal Democrats want clear action on the NHS.  By fully funding social care, investing in additional hospital beds in our region, increasing the drive to recruit more of nurses and paramedics and tightening up rules around ambulance wait times, we can deliver the world class health service that people in Oldham deserve.”