Ashton-under-Lyne MP Angela Rayner has spent time meeting frontline staff and patients at two mental health wards run by Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust at Tameside Hospital.

The deputy Labour leader visited Hurst Place, a rehabilitation unit for men with severe mental illness and complex needs, and Tatton Unit, a long term low secure service for men.

Sophie Riley, charge nurse at Hurst Place, said: “It was wonderful to see how natural, warm and engaging Angela was with our patients. She also went out of her way to thank staff, which was really appreciated as it's been a tough time over the pandemic for us.

“We tragically lost a nurse colleague on our Hurst Unit to covid and have faced many challenges. Despite these immense difficulties, our staff have been so dedicated and resilient throughout and Angela's support and thanks is a lovely boost".

The visit was organised after Sophie wrote to the MP sharing details of the work her and her colleagues do at Hurst Place and Tatton Unit, which focuses on individual recovery to help patients build the skills and resources they need to live as part of the community.

Angela Rayner said: “It was wonderful to meet the amazing staff at Hurst Place and the Tatton Unit to see how they are dealing with the many challenges they are currently facing due to covid.

“Our NHS heroes have done tremendously well to keep their services running under severe pressure and it was great to have the chance to talk to them and thank them personally.”

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