MP launches fight to save fracture clinic

The Burnley Express revealed recently that the clinic would be moved to the Royal Blackburn Hospital for a six-month trial.

Mrs Cooper, who has been meeting the chief executive of the Trust and other healthcare officials, responded angrily to their claims the existing clinic in Burnley is ‘under used’ and therefore not sustainable.

“I consider this to be a ridiculous decision and cannot believe the statement that has been made by the Trust, asserting that Burnley does not need its own fracture clinic. Anyone who has attended Urgent Care at Burnley on a busy Saturday night or Sunday morning, or read the accident figures for fractures to the elderly during winter months, will see straight through that argument. I simply do not accept the claims or the figures they are producing on this issue.”

Mrs Cooper also argued the proposed move makes no economic sense.

“I believe this is flawed thinking and completely false economy. Any savings made by closure of the unit must be weighed against the huge increase in patient transport costs as most fractures require several months of follow-up hospital appointments. And what about the human cost of unnecessary pain and suffering, let alone the lost working hours and sheer inconvenience? Do people count for nothing?”

Mrs Cooper has launched a petition and is urging people to come into her office at 8 Keirby Walk to sign up.

“The more people we can involve in this campaign the better. I am busy spreading the word through local radio stations, press and social and will be raising the issue with the Minister for Health and the Shadow Minister Andy Burnham to apply as much pressure as possible to prevent this ‘trial’ closure from becoming permanent.”

Anger as fracture clinic closes

Threat to fracture clinic in 2007

2007 - review of fracture clinic closure brought forward