High court backs Healthier Together decision

Bevan Brittan has welcomed the outcome of a High Court judicial review that has upheld the decision of ‘Healthier Together’ to make Stepping Hill the fourth specialist hospital emergency general surgery in the city.

The decision was taken in July as part of its re-organisation of hospital services in Greater Manchester.

Bevan Brittan acted on behalf of Stockport NHS Foundation Trust the provider of Stepping Hill Hospital.

Bevan Brittan partner Virginia Cooper said:

“We are delighted that Mr Justice Dove ruled that this was the correct legal outcome, and there were no grounds to support the claim.  The consultation and decision making process was thorough and robust the focus always being on improved patient care.

“The decision means that the health authorities and clinicians in the Manchester region can move forward quickly with their plans to provide improved and high quality services in the best interests of patients.”