HOSPITAL campaigners have claimed that the future of Trafford General’s Accident and Emergency department is in doubt.

Members of Save Trafford General claim to have seen a hospital discussion document, which they say makes no reference to an A&E department, instead referring to a new Emergency Access Centre.

The document, titled ‘Trafford General Hospital - Adults and Children’, also makes no reference to Trafford’s new £1m Intensive Care Unit, which was opened by Fred Talbot the weatherman in June this year.

Save Trafford General are concerned that Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, who are in the process of taking over services at Trafford, will downgrade both A&E and the ICU unit.

Campaign co-ordinator Jo Harding said the group would fight to save the services and the hospital.

“Trafford General’s accident and emergency department is a fundamental part of the hospital.

“Losing A&E would relegate Trafford General, birthplace of our National Health Service, to a second class service and cause deep anxiety and concern amongst local people.

“Accident victims and other emergencies would have to go outside the borough, risking life and death delays for local people.”

The discussion paper was leaked to members of the group ahead of a pre-arranged meeting between Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Save Trafford General.

A spokesperson for the Trust said no decisions had been made and any proposals would follow ‘extensive’ engagement with key stakeholders and the public.

"At this early stage it is clear that there are options for how we better organise and provide services in Trafford. We do wish to provide some new services in Trafford but equally we need to work with local people to see how best to arrange this.”