Facts: Trafford decided to close inpatient wards at a local hospital.

Judgment: Hodge J held that the decision would be quashed because Trafford had not undertaken prior consultation, as required by section 11 of the Health and Social Care Act 2001. However, the court did not grant a mandatory order requiring Trafford to re-open the wards, in the light of an assurance from Trafford that it would very shortly undertake public consultation, which might lead to their re-opening.