Moving hospital services labelled 'a bad idea'

People have raised concerns about the impact of closing outpatient services at Buxton Hospital from March, labelling the move a "bad idea".

Nine services will no longer be available in the town, including rheumatology, ophthalmology, gynaecology and respiratory care.

Instead, patients are being advised these services will be available 16 miles (25km) away at Stepping Hill Hospital in Stockport.

A spokesperson for Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, which runs both hospitals, said: "NHS outpatient services are moving nationally towards more flexible and convenient ways of caring for patients."

Outpatients are people who have an appointment in a hospital or clinic but do not need to stay overnight.

A number of residents in the town think the alternative of having to go to Stockport - a journey of about 30 minutes - is too far.

Dawn Whitehead, a former Buxton Hospital worker, said: "Stepping Hill is already full to capacity.

"Waiting times are ridiculous - over 16 weeks to be seen.

"It's a really bad idea. We have poor public transport anyway - bus services are sporadic. And parking at Stepping Hill is awful.

"It'll really impact elderly people."

Robert Stone, who uses hospital services, said: "I think it's a bad idea - Stepping Hill is a long way away even in good weather.

"We get snow, roads over the hills are often out of action, it doesn't make sense, it's hard to understand."

Freda Mycock, from Buxton, added: "I'm shocked. I've used it a lot over the years."

"It'll be a terrible loss, it makes me really angry," she added.

Labour MP for High Peak, Jon Pearce, has launched a petition opposing the closures.

In a statement, he said: "Over 1,000 people have backed my campaign so far to save these health services in Buxton, yet Stepping Hill is pushing ahead without proper consultation or any assessment of the impact, especially on patients who depend on local care.

"These are real people - elderly residents, families and neighbours - now being told to travel to Stockport regardless of their circumstances, the weather, or whether that journey is even possible.

"We will not take this lying down. I will continue to fight to protect these health services."

A spokesperson for the trust added: "Fewer people are being referred to Buxton each year, partly due to new care models and partly because Buxton does not provide the full range of diagnostic and clinical services.

"The great majority of High Peak outpatient appointments are already seen at Stepping Hill Hospital.

"Last year, 24,000 High Peak resident appointments were seen at the Stockport site but only 5,000 in Buxton.

"The Stockport site has a new purpose-built outpatient building, modern equipment, and on-site diagnostics, allowing improved and more joined-up care in one visit. Patients will continue to see the same consultant."

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