RESIDENTS in Whitefield and Unsworth have expressed concern over Bury Clinical Commissioning Group’s new plans for urgent care in the borough.

Health bosses from the CCG were at a Whitefield and Unsworth Township Forum meeting at the Elms Community Centre, in Green Lane, Whitefield, to deliver their final presentation on plans to reorganise urgent care provision.

The community engagement process has been carried out at Bury’s six township forum meetings to discuss the plans, which could see Prestwich Walk-in Centre and Bury Urgent Treatment Centre close.

The CCG maintains that urgent care provision in Bury has become overcomplicated, with patients not knowing which service to use or even which services are available.

New plans to create a more comprehensive 111 telephone helpline system advising patients where to seek urgent care, have received criticism from residents.

Concerns included telephone staff lacking training and medical knowledge however David Latham, programme manager at Bury CCG reassured the public that the national phone line would be improved to localise services.

He said: “The phone line may not have the best reputation now but that is why we want to work to improve it by introducing a virtual hub here in Bury.

“So when patients call they can be transferred to someone locally who can advise them on whatever care they need in order to avoid as many people going to A&E when they do not actually need those urgent services.”

The public are being encouraged to give feedback during the consultation period, which will last until October 31.

Opposition to the potential closure of the borough’s two walk-in centres was raised as residents questioned the effect it would have on A&E services at Fairfield General and North Manchester General hospitals.

Mr Latham stressed the hospitals would be equipped with urgent care services including more GPs.

There are a number of ways you can have your say on the CCG’s proposals: An online survey is available at surveymonkey.co.uk/r/2BNQJG5 and a paper copy of the survey can be obtained by calling 0161 762 3166 or by emailing buccg.communications@nhs.net.

Views can be sent in via the CCG website feedback facility; by e-mail as above or by letter to NHS Bury Clinical Commissioning Group, Communications and Engagement Team (Urgent Care Redesign), 21 Silver Street, Bury, BL9 0EN.