Sykes demands answers after security breach at former maternity ward goes viral

Liberal Democrat Shaw Councillor and Leader of the Opposition Howard Sykes MBE has demanded urgent answers after footage on social media showed so-called “urban explorers” accessing the former maternity units at Royal Oldham Hospital, despite the site being within a demolition zone.

Councillor Sykes said the widely shared TikTok footage pointed to a serious security failure, not a minor trespass.

“This was not someone hopping a fence,” he said. “The footage shows people able to walk into an unguarded demolition site during the middle of the day with ease, raising serious questions about safety, safeguarding and site management.”

The former maternity units hold deep significance for many local families, including Councillor Sykes himself.

Councillor Sykes said, “My children were born in that unit, as were countless others.  These corridors matter to people, which makes it all the more distressing to see the site left so poorly secured.”

Residents have also raised concerns about unused medical equipment visible in the footage.

“At a time when the NHS is crying out for equipment, it is deeply troubling to see so much abandoned equipment,” Councillor Sykes said.

Councillor Sykes has written to hospital bosses seeking urgent clarification on how access was possible, what security measures are in place, whether they meet required standards, and what immediate steps are being taken to prevent further incidents.  He has also asked whether any review has been carried out into the handling of equipment left on site.

“This risks undermining public confidence in site safety and the stewardship of public assets,” he added.  “I want reassurance that further incidents will be prevented and that lessons will be learned.”