Trafford | Archive | 1998 | June | 18
From the Messenger Series, first published Thursday 18th Jun 1998.
CORONATION Street star Sally Whittaker has joined the crusade to save children's services at Trafford General Hospital - where her own children were born.
The actress has joined the 20,000 locals who have signed a petition backing the Oliver's Army campaign, fighting plans to axe the hospital's children's ward and special care baby unit.
Hale resident Sally knows at first hand the top quality care provided by the hospital - her children Sam, 15 months, and Phoebe, three, were both delivered by Caesarean section there.
The Oliver's Army campaign was launched last year by mum Angela Gray, who is battling for the unit that saved the life of her baby, Oliver, now 17 months-old.
Sally - who plays Sally Webster in the top TV soap - says: "Angela wrote to me and told me about the closure threat. Her letter touched me because I had my children at Trafford General and know it is a wonderful hospital.
"I was shocked and amazed because they had just spent money on improvements and the next thing they are planning to shut it.
"We have to keep it open. I am right behind Angela."
Sally says many of the 'Street' cast have signed the Oliver's Army petition and are ready to get behind Angela's campaign.
A fortnight ago health chiefs launched a consultation period on proposals for hospital care for children in Salford and Trafford. Four options were listed - but the health authority says its 'preferred action plan' is to close the 24-bed children's ward at Trafford General. One of the knock-on effects would be the closure of the special care baby unit.
Dr Richard Campbell, clinical director of child health services, warns that other vital services would follow - and Trafford could eventually lose its district general hospital status.
The health authority stresses no decision has been taken. But if the children's ward is closed - as advocated by independent advisers - the health authority claims Trafford would continue to offer maternity and accident and emergency cases for all but the most serious cases.
The public have until September 21 to put forward their views on the proposals. A public meeting is being held at Lancashire County Cricket Club, Talbot Road, Old Trafford, on Tuesday, July 21 at 7pm.
Anyone who wants to comment should write to Dr Ian Greatorex, chief executive Salford and Trafford Health Authority, FREEPOST MR8803, Eccles, Manchester M30 7JZ.
Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
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