To discuss a motion by the Labour Group on the Secretary of State for Health’s decision regarding Trafford General Hospital.

[Note: Councillors Adshead, Brophy, Mrs. Bruer-Morris, S. Taylor and D. Western each declared a personal interest in this item as NHS employees and remained in the meeting.

Councillor Lloyd declared a personal interest as an employee of the Stroke Association and remained in the meeting.

Councillor Harding declared a personal interest insofar as it related to her involvement in the Save Trafford General Campaign and remained in the meeting.

Councillor Myers also declared a personal interest since his business was contracted to provide services for the Primary Care Trust and remained in the meeting.]

It was moved and seconded that:

“The Council condemns the decision made by the Conservative Government Secretary of State Jeremy Hunt in downgrading A&E and other services at Trafford General.

This Conservative Government decision comes at a time when Manchester Hospital A&Es are stretched to the limit and are not able to reach their prescribed waiting times. To close Trafford General A&E will result in increasing those pressures and waiting times in those hospitals which will be expected to take in the 37,000 a year Trafford Hospital A&E patients.

In light of the deficiencies in the Secretary of State's decision, Council instructs the Director of Legal and Democratic Services to seek Counsel’s advice with a view to appealing the decision.”

Following a debate on the matter, the Motion was agreed with the unanimous consent of the Council.

RESOLVED: That the Council condemns the decision made by the Conservative Government Secretary of State Jeremy Hunt in downgrading A&E and other services at Trafford General.

This Conservative Government decision comes at a time when Manchester Hospital A&Es are stretched to the limit and are not able to reach their prescribed waiting times. To close Trafford General A&E will result in increasing those pressures and waiting times in those hospitals which will be expected to take in the 37,000 a year Trafford Hospital A&E patients.

In light of the deficiencies in the Secretary of State's decision, Council instructs the Director of Legal and Democratic Services to seek Counsel’s advice with a view to appealing the decision.

To consider a report of the Director of Legal and Democratic Services.

The Director of Legal and Democratic Services submitted a report concerning appointments to the Joint Health Scrutiny Committee with Manchester City Council. Members were advised that further to the earlier establishment of a Joint Health Scrutiny Committee with Manchester City Council on 19^th September 2012, to respond to the consultation relating to the New Health Deal for Trafford, a referral had been made to the Secretary of State for Health.  In order for the Joint Health Scrutiny Committee to consider the response received from the Secretary of State for Health it was now necessary for Council to agree the Trafford membership.

RESOLVED:

(1)          That Council note the report and the proposed membership of the Joint Health Scrutiny Committee as follows:

                                    Manchester - 4 Labour and 1 Liberal Democrat Members

                                    Trafford - 3 Conservative and 2 Labour Members

(2)          That Council agree the proposed Trafford membership of the Joint Health Scrutiny Committee as follows:

Members - Councillors Mrs. Bruer-Morris, Holden , Lamb, Lloyd and Procter.

Substitute Members – Councillors Harding and Mrs. Wilkinson.

(3)               That Council agree to suspend political balance requirements.