"We must protect vital services at Trafford General"

3:10pm Wednesday 8th August 2012

Exclusive By Emma Rigby

AS campaign coordinator for the Save Trafford General community group, Jo Harding has spent a lot of time dealing with Trafford’s closure-threatened A&E. But last week, the Urmston councillor found herself taking a much closer look at the services it provides.

On Tuesday (July 31), Jo was at her home in Urmston when her eight-year-old daughter, Grace, informed her she’d put a plastic toy up her nose.

“I hunted for tweezers but Grace decided to do some DIY removal,” said Jo, “Only succeeding to push the toy even deeper. As she began to panic, I realised a trip to A&E was on the night’s agenda.”

The last time Jo had visited Trafford’s A&E was in July, when she was one of more than a thousand people singing ‘Happy Birthday’ as they demonstrated over the future of the hospital.

This time, her visit was short, with doctors telling her to return the next morning when they could see the specialist at the rapid access clinic.

Fast forward to the following morning and both mother and daughter were greeted by warm, welcoming staff who made a big fuss of the now terrified eight-year-old.

After further examination, it was decided anesthetic was the best form of action, allowing doctors to fully explore Grace’s nose without causing any discomfort – Grace was scheduled for theatre at 2pm.

There were a few hiccups during the afternoon, with an A&E emergency almost causing Grace to be transferred to Wythenshawe.

But, at 2pm as scheduled, Grace walked off to theatre, both her and her teddy bear wearing matching theatre gowns.

Once out of theatre, Jo was told the plastic toy couldn’t be located - Grace had probably swallowed it and would have to wait for nature to take its course.

“As a Trafford mum, I don’t want to risk losing these valuable services from my local hospital. And 10,000 Trafford residents who have signed our protest petition feel exactly the same. There are too many tales of longer waiting times and no beds available at other hospitals, patients having to travel out of the area with their children.

“Grace’s experience has only strengthened my resolve to fight for the future of vital services at Trafford General. Local people deserve such high quality care delivered locally. And so does my little girl.”

Jo says Grace is fine now, enjoying the summer holidays. As for the plastic toy, that’s yet to make an appearance!