|
AXING OF ROCHDALE NHS SERVICES IS DISASTER FOR
MUSLIM MUMS
Published: 30.08.2007 22:30
The Ramadhan Foundation
is deeply disappointed with the Secretary of State for Health’s
decision to axe vital health services in Rochdale. It is
baffling that having spent thousands of pounds on consultation
processes they have continued with the original decision, this makes
a mockery of public consultation.
One of the major impacts
of this decision will be on Muslim pregnant women, if they are about
to give birth they will under the proposals have to travel over five
miles to a hospital – they are more likely to give birth in a
car. In Islam in it obligatory that Muslim women that give
birth in private – the cultural and religious needs of Muslims have
been ignored.
We are further concerned
that Rochdale NHS PCT have not carried out a detailed Race Impact
Assessment as set out in the Race Relations Amendment Act. To
not even take the concerns of Muslims and minority groups is deeply
worrying and an example of indirect discrimination. We urge the
NHS to look at the circumstances around whether an Impact Assessment
was carried out and whether it was published.
Mr. Shazad
Anwar, Chief Executive of the Foundation comments:
“The Ramadhan Foundation
is deeply disappointed with Alan Johnston’s decision to support the
axing of the A&E and Maternity services in Rochdale, we feel that
the Government has failed to listen to the service users and their
consultation exercise was useless and irrelevant and a waste of
money.
I pay tribute to the
Save our hospital campaign led by the Rochdale Observer, Paul Rowen
MP, local Councillors, faith leaders and the many thousand of people
that signed the petition. It is a sad day for Rochdale and I
hope people remember who made the decision.
Local services should
always be provided in local communities and I hope that the
Government will have a change of heart.”
END
Notes for
editors
The Ramadhan Foundation
is the UK's leading Muslim youth organisation that is working for
peaceful co-existence and dialogue for all communities. Based
in Greater Manchester and working to also establish the platform for
Muslim unity amongst our communities in the UK.
For further information
contact:
Mr. Mohammed Shafiq
Press Spokesman
Mohammed.shafiq@ramadhanfoundation.com
07814835912
|
