THE Manchester Evening News is campaigning for the government to commit to the urgent rebuilding of North Manchester General Hospital (NMGH).
And patients who know that hospital all too well are sharing their stories to prove just how desperate the situation is.
It's been five years since Boris Johnson pledged to transform NMGH which has some of the oldest buildings in the NHS. The situation on the ground has reached an intolerable point, with conditions likened to 'a 19th century workhouse.'
Some operating theatres were forced to close for weeks after ceilings collapsed, others had to shut because of poor ventilation which could have increased the risk of infection. Clinics for pregnant mums had to be relocated because of visible mould on the walls from leaking roofs.
Yet we STILL don't know when the crucial work will start to rebuild the hospital. Health secretary Wes Streeting had suggested the redevelopment would go ahead, with plans ready to go, but those designs have now been called in for a spending review by the government and there has been no firm commitment.
The M.E.N. has launched a petition to call on Wes Streeting to:
Commit to fully fund the new hospital
Prioritise the rebuild for 2025
And supporters of the campaign are starting to share their experiences.
Andrea Harris commented on the change.org petition, saying: "The Tory government made promises for an upgrade of NMGH and they haven't kept their word." Keith Marchant said his 'reason for signing' the petition is: "Because I've visited this hospital. I've seen how decrepit it is. We need to update and improve hospitals like this."
Supporter Dawn Richardson agreed, adding: "I have to use this hospital and it is a disgrace."
This story is from the October 30, 2024 edition of Manchester Evening News.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 30, 2024 edition of Manchester Evening News.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Hojlund needs to prove his worth to Ruben - Brown
EX-Manchester United defender Wes Brown has suggested that Rasmus Hojlund needs to prove his worth to new head coach Ruben Amorim, thereby negating the need for a potential investment in Viktor Gyokeres.
Ipswich boss McKenna relishing United reunion
IPSWICH Town manager Kieran McKenna is relishing Sunday's reunion with Manchester United at Portman Road, insisting his side will be ready to give their visitors 'a helluva game'.
Duo may be CENTRAL to Amorim plan
UGARTE AND MAINOO MAY PROVIDE PLATFORM
Raducanu takes heart from cup
EMMA Raducanu will start preparations for 2025 while Katie Boulter takes a wellearned rest after Great Britain's Billie Jean King Cup loss to Slovakia brought their seasons to a close.
Berry'd treasure
EVERGREENS WITH BRIGHT BERRIES GIVE A COLOURFUL LIFT TO THE WINTER GARDEN
Final farewell to Liam Payne
CHERYL Tweedy and members of One Direction were among the friends and family to pay their final respects to Liam Payne at his funeral.
Land mines go-ahead
THE Biden administration will allow Ukraine to use Americananti-personnel land supplied mines to help fight off Russian forces, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin has said.
Social media ban for teens 'on table'
A BAN on social media for under-16s is \"on the table\" if companies do not take action to protect children, the Technology Secretary has said.
100,000 forced into poverty by winter fuel cuts
THE squeeze on winter fuel payments will force 100,000 pensioners into poverty in 2026, according to the UK Government's own estimates.
'Boring Victoria' on mission to improve water quality
A TUNNEL boring machine, named after the late comedian Victoria Wood, is going underground at United Utilities' wastewater the number of times that storm overflows operate into the watercourses during heavy rainfall.