A PUBLIC meeting has been called over controversial changes to heart services for part of the Rossendale valley.

Patients in Bacup and Whitworth, and parts of Waterfoot and Stacksteads, have previously attended Rochdale Infirmary for cardiac services But under the Healthy Futures Programme, and after the infirmary lost accident and emergency ward facilities earlier this year, experts want to relocate the department to Bury’s Fairfield General Hospital.

Sir Jonathan Asbridge is leading the consultation exercise, which will formally end on January 14.

Prof Roger Boyle, who reviewed the infirmary’s provisions, says it would present a safety risk for patients if the heart unit remains there.

Campaigners are adamant that the decision is a ‘done deal’ but are urging as many patients as possible to attend a public meeting at The Riverside, in Market Street, Whitworth, on Thursday, January 4, from 6pm.

Coun David Barnes, deputy mayor of Whitworth, said: “It is a fait accomplit and it is going to happen - that is why we have dubbed this a meeting with the experts.

“There was a meeting about five weeks ago but only a handful of people showed up so we have produced persuaded Healthy Futures to come back again.

“We have worked with Mr Asbridge’s team and want as many people as people to turn up on the night to find out what it will mean for them.”

The same consultation is also exploring the possibility of creating a non-acute stroke facility at Rochdale.

Currently critical care is provided at the Royal Oldham and North Manchester hospitals but rehab faciliities could be provided closer to home at the infirmary.