Council objects to hospital closure

Loss of in-patient beds at Hartismere Hospital could put the safety of patients at risk and should be reconsidered.

That's the message of South Norfolk Council in its response to the current consultation on the future of community hospitals in East Suffolk.

The council wants in-patient beds kept until the proposed new arrangements for patient care have been tested.

Other options should be investigated, including transferring the hospital to a charitable trust - similar to the option being considered for the future of Wells Hospital - which could be set up by the local community, local doctors, and would involve East Suffolk Primary Care Trusts.

The council is worried the closure plans involve significant risks which have not been fully assessed, and could cause increased costs, disruption and worry for patients and carers.

The council believes the consultation has not been handled well, and it will continue to examine the issue in the New Year.

"There is a perception that the proposals are driven by short-term financial consideration rather than the needs of patients, which should be paramount", said Councillor Jill Caldwell of Diss, who is chairing the council's Scrutiny Committee Task Group, which is looking at the closure.

Councillor Philip Waltham, who leads for the council on better health and safer communities, said:

"We hope our views mean another step forward for the campaign, and will help secure a change of heart in favour of those who would lose out by the closure."

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