Trust urged to reverse closure (From Western Telegraph)

Trust urged to reverse closure

A GRAVE error of judgement was made by the Pembrokeshire and Derwen NHS Trust over the closure of Withybush Hospital's ward two, the chairman of the Pembrokeshire Community Health Council has warned.

Barrie Woolmer has called on the trust to reconsider its decision, in view of the growing bed crisis.

Mr Woolmer, who has been making a number of ad hoc visits to the hospital, said: "The closure of South Pembrokeshire Hospital for alterations has put pressure on Withybush, although some patients are going to the Riverside Home in Pembroke, where a maximum of 15 beds have been commissioned. But the trust knew this and should have made better arrangements."

"The trust is also using the argument that they are experiencing winter pressure. But we have not had any cold spells and there have been no epidemics."

He added: "While I recognise that there have got to be changes for the benefit of patients, the hospital is already at 98% bed capacity, when it should be 85%."

"The question I would ask the trust board is: 'Is this the way we can expect the hospital to work in the future or is there a light at the end of the tunnel?'

"We would like the board to consider reversing its decision on the ward two closure," he said.