Greater Manchester hospital 'immediately' closes major department

A Greater Manchester hospital has 'immediately' closed a major department over concerns for patient, staff and visitor safety. The move comes after a recent inspection report that showed 'there has been significant deterioration of the structure of the building'.

The outpatient B department at Stepping Hill Hospital in Stockport was closed as of 6pm on Thursday evening (November 23). An inspection report on November 22 'showed that there has been significant deterioration in the general condition of the building', according to the trust which operates the hospital.

Outpatient appointments have been relocated across the hospital site, and affected patients will be redirected to their new clinic on arrival. The hospital has asked that patients, unless they have been contacted to say otherwise, should attend their appointments as usual.

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In a message circulated to patients by one GP surgery, seen by the Manchester Evening News, Stockport NHS Foundation Trust said: "Following an inspection report of our outpatient B department at Stepping Hill Hospital, on Wednesday November 22, we have been made aware of significant deterioration in the structure of the building. A decision has immediately been taken to close the building at the end of today."

The trust then issued a further statement to the M.E.N. saying: "We regularly inspect the buildings on our estate to ensure they are safe for our patients and staff. The most recent inspection report on November 22 showed that there has been significant deterioration in the general condition