“Super surgeries” plan
was not a waste of money!
by Lesley Wilkinson
CONTROVERSIAL plans for five “super surgeries” across Warrington were finally dropped by health chiefs yesterday (Wednesday) following massive public opposition.
Warrington Primary Care Trust (PCT) vowed to find new ways of involving all the public in future consultation, not just “the usual suspects,” and a new group will be formed quickly to report back within 12 months on future health services.
Acting chief executive Jon Tomlinson told the PCT board meeting the consultation on replacing existing GPs surgeries had not been a waste of money, costing less than ?10,000 and had involved a cross section of the community.
“Overall the public did not support the movement towards the five health centres,” he said.
Opposition to the two major pilot schemes, in Garven Place, Sankey Street, and Orford Park, was four to one against, he said.
There had been many “thoughtful and helpful” comments during consultation from the public, health professionals, the council and community. He said many GPs were interested in offering a greater range of services and extra opening hours.
Mr Tomlinson said: “One of the things that working people told us was that it was often difficult to get appointments, not just with GPS but with clinics.”
He said consultation had revealed that people were loyal to their GP, with many being prepared to travel to see their GP. He said people in Warrington were fortunate to be able to choose their practice.
The board accepted recommendations not to proceed with the large health centre concept, including the two pilots, and to invite GPs wishing to offer longer opening hours and a wider range of services, to open discussions with the PCT.
Members agreed to set up a new clinical strategy group to advise the PCT on future development of health services in the town to complete its work in 12 months. It will be established quickly and include GPs, North Cheshire Hospitals Trust, the Five Boroughs Partnership and Warrington Borough Council.
The board will also seek new way to engage with the public and patients groups, including carers, on planning of health services. Emphasis will be put on time and effort to ensure large-scale public input.
Mr Tomlinson said: “We need to ensure a good level of engagement of people from throughout the community, not just the usual suspects.”
He said the PCT aimed to improve health care throughout the borough and tackle inequalities in the poorer parts of the town. He said change was needed to ensure best use of PCT money.
“Overall at the moment we are not getting best value for money,” he said.
Public consultation started in early February. Doctors also opposed the scheme on the grounds that it would lead to large, unworkable practices and break the link between family doctor and patient.
Golden couple celebrate
by Gary Skentelbery
GOLDEN wedding celebrations will be extra special for a Warrington couple this year as they have been chosen to represent the new Golden Square Shopping Centre.
Thomas and Irene Tandy, of Orford, celebrate their 50th anniversary year in style by being chosen as Warrington’s Golden Couple in the centre’s competition run by warrington-worldwide.
Nominated by their daughter, Christine, they had no idea they were in line for the title and were surprised to hear they had won ?250 shopping vouchers and a meal for two at the Olive Press restaurant.
They were selected as they have lived and shopped in the town all their married lives and for proving that family values and community spirit are still strong in Warrington.
The young sweethearts met through friends just after Thomas came out of the army and was settling back in to Warrington life. They married at Winwick Church on 15 June 1957 and three years later bought their first house in Orford – and still live in it today.
Mrs Tandy remembers her wedding day and the extreme summer heat that left multi-coloured confetti sticking to the newlyweds, and all the ladies queuing to dip their feet in a cold bath.
Half a century later, the couple have two children, Christine, 47, and Michael, 40, and four grandchildren aged between 13 and 23.
They both agree that a strong family bond is important to a happy marriage, together with working together, tolerance and patience.
The couple are looking forward to spending their vouchers in the new Debenhams store at Golden Square and they intend to treat the family.
Mrs Tandy admits shopping in the town has come a long way since the stalls on Market Street and can remember the centre being built.
Ian Cox, marketing manager at Golden Square, said: “Congratulations to Mr and Mrs Tandy on their anniversary. They are a true example of the great community spirit that exists in Warrington and their emphasis on family values is an inspiration. We hope they enjoy spending their vouchers.”
Sporting students rewarded
by John Hendon
AN exciting demonstration by the British Acrobatics and Tumbling Squad, who included former student Chris Carter, was a highlight of an awards event at Priestley College, Warrington.
Students packed into the sports hall for the annual Sports Personality of the Year Awards. The internal ceremony rewards students who have excelled academically and also performed well in sport.
Winners of the two main awards were Mark Smith (male award) and Amy Pegnam (female award).
Other awards went to Jon Shakeshaft, Luke Petherbridge, Kim Smith and Katie Salisbury (football), Jordan Bibby (basketball), Saskia Martinus (netball), Luke Turner (coaching) and Karl Adamson (rugby league).
Awards were also given to those who achieved national recognition. These included Daniel Toone (North of England, Football), Mark Smith and Chris Payton (England, Rugby League), Ben Tyler (Great Britain, Dragon Boat Racing), Rafik Tahraoui (Great Britain, water polo) and Christina Duckers (National Squad Gymnastics).
Head of sport, Nigel Howells, said: “It is great to come together under one roof to celebrate another year of unrivalled success at Priestley College for our sportsmen and women.”
College wins excellence
award yet again
by Lesley Wilkinson
STUDENTS at Warrington Collegiate can be sure they are getting good advice on courses and career development, as the college has again won an award for the service.
Staff have asecured a national mark of excellence after securing its second Matrix accreditation.
Three years ago the Learner Services department won an excellence award, now the collegiate has undergone a cross college accreditation review for embedded services and has been given an award for its information, advice and guidance service.
Nicola Meredith, director of Learner Services, said: “It’s proof that we are very committed to the quality of information, advice and guidance throughout the college.
“It was fantastic when Learner Services was acknowledged in 2004, and this is further recognition that the whole college is getting it right.”
To gain the Matrix accreditation the college had to provide details of the information, advice and guidance offered to all types of learners across the college curriculum.
Nicola said: “We’re one of only a few colleges nationally to have gained the embedded service accreditation and staff and students should be proud of what has been achieved.”
Bridge closure
by staff reporter
THE Chester Road Swing Bridge will close again to all traffic this Sunday, 10 June due to essential maintenance work being carried out by the Manchester Ship Canal owners Peel Holdings.
Drivers should use an alternative route via A56 Walton Road, A49 London Road, Wilderspool Causeway and A5060 Chester Road.
Summer ball
ST Wilfrids primary School at Grappenhall, Warrington will be celebrati
ng its 160th anniversary with a special summer ball at the Park Royal Hotel, Stretton on July 21. For details call 07761 342929.
