'I've seen how decrepit this hospital is'

M.E.N. CAMPAIGN SUPPORTERS EXPLAIN WHY THEY HAVE SIGNED UP

- HELENA VESTY

THE Manchester Evening News is campaigning for the government to commit to the urgent rebuilding of North Manchester General Hospital (NMGH).

And patients who know that hospital all too well are sharing their stories to prove just how desperate the situation is.

It's been five years since Boris Johnson pledged to transform NMGH which has some of the oldest buildings in the NHS. The situation on the ground has reached an intolerable point, with conditions likened to 'a 19th century workhouse.'

Some operating theatres were forced to close for weeks after ceilings collapsed, others had to shut because of poor ventilation which could have increased the risk of infection. Clinics for pregnant mums had to be relocated because of visible mould on the walls from leaking roofs.

Yet we STILL don't know when the crucial work will start to rebuild the hospital. Health secretary Wes Streeting had suggested the redevelopment would go ahead, with plans ready to go, but those designs have now been called in for a spending review by the government and there has been no firm commitment.

• The M.E.N. has launched a petition to call on Wes Streeting to:

• Commit to fully fund the new hospital

• Prioritise the rebuild for 2025

And supporters of the campaign are starting to share their experiences.

Andrea Harris commented on the change.org petition, saying: "The Tory government made promises for an upgrade of NMGH and they haven't kept their word." Keith Marchant said his 'reason for signing' the petition is: "Because I've visited this hospital. I've seen how decrepit it is. We need to update and improve hospitals like this."

Supporter Dawn Richardson agreed, adding: "I have to use this hospital and it is a disgrace."