Hospital Ward Closes

A SOUTHEND Hospital ward will be closed, it has been confirmed.

The Mid and South Essex NHS Trust has said that the Stambridge ward, used to care for patients with diabetes, will close and its services be moved to the Blenheim ward.

Whilst NHS bosses have insisted that “no staff will lose their jobs” when the “unfunded” ward closes, unions insist the move will put a strain on resources.

Unison Eastern regional organiser Sam Older said: “Unfortunately the trust doesn’t have the staff or funding to safely run the Stambridge ward anymore.

“This may help safeguard patient safety in the short term, but the loss of 27 beds will further strain resources, with occupancy percentage rates in the mid 90s.”

A campaign group, Save Southend NHS, has called for more answers over the recently-announced closure, stating: “In light of lengthy waiting lists, recent recruitment freezes and financial difficulties within the hospital group, our biggest fear is ‘what next?’

“Our local community, patients and staff deserve fully transparent answers.”

A hospital spokesman explained that it was “normal procedure” to close unfunded beds.

Matthew Hopkins, chief executive of Mid and South Essex NHS Trust, said: “We are continuing with our plans to improve the flow of patients through our hospitals and provide quality care in the most efficient way.

“To support this, we are closing beds, including some that are funded temporarily to deal with winter demand at Southend hospital and providing more beds on a different ward.

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