The Mancunian Way: It's critical

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Five years ago, Boris Johnson promised to transform North Manchester General Hospital. The Crumpsall site, which has some of the oldest buildings in the NHS, has been likened to ‘a 19th century workhouse’.

But the plans have now been called in for review by the government and no firm commitment has been made, meaning years after the government’s commitment, patients and staff are still waiting.

Now, the Manchester Evening News is calling on the government to commit to the urgent rebuilding of the hospital. Staff tell of problems ‘every single day’ caused by the ageing estate – and money is being used just to keep buildings functional, effectively just to ‘stand still’.

There are promising plans for the site - but the need for redevelopment goes far beyond the buildings. It has the potential to be the catalyst for change in one of the most deprived neighbourhoods in the country, writes our health reporter Helena Vesty.