HEALTH chiefs, councillors, union representatives and the public returned for the second round of discussions about plans to restructure healthcare in Bolton.

The Healthier Together review, which has caused controversy in Bolton and led to concerns about current services being downgraded, is an ongoing plan that will affect healthcare across Greater Manchester.

Healthier Together has said the current district general hospital’s systems is “outdated” and bosses are working with the region’s 12 Clinical Commissioning Groups to create a new model with greater emphasis on specialist units and community care.

Speaking at the meeting at the Albert Halls in Bolton, Karen Reissmann, a Unison representative, said: “I think most people do not have a proper idea of where we are and what you are proposing.”

Members of the Healthier Together panel said it was impossible to provide a fixed model when the plans were still under consultation.

Dr Anne Talbot, a Bolton GP and associate medical director for NHS Greater Manchester which is leading the review, said: “I know it feels frustrating but we are not anywhere near that point where we are able to say how a model might work.”

Unlike the first Healthier Together meeting, presentations were kept to a minimum to allow for a larger question and answer section.

Concerns about community care and transport were raised and put to the panel. Dr Wirin Bhatiani, chairman of Bolton’s Clinical Commissioning Group was keen to stress the Royal Bolton Hospital would not close and that patient care is top of the agenda.

He said: “We want our hospitals to be available and strong.

“It’s not about closing hospitals or the A and E. The A and E in Bolton is one of the best performing across Greater Manchester.

“We are about maintaining what it’s good but at the same time we are looking at doing things differently.”

Healthier Together plan to extend their public consultation to community groups, organisations and forums across Bolton.