Union says ward closure is 'worst outcome'

A union leader said plans to close a ward for elderly people at Bridlington hospital was the "worst possible outcome for patients and staff".

York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has announced a staff consultation on moving services at the Bridlington Community Unit to Scarborough General Hospital 20 miles (32 km) away.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said the union "stands firm in demanding the trust rows back".

The trust said the community unit was opened during the Covid-19 pandemic as a temporary means of creating capacity and its closure would mean patients would be discharged to their home or a care home sooner.

The union said the transfer would affect 50 staff and claimed the closure would "result in elderly patients being transferred to Scarborough, with nurses and healthcare assistants facing redundancy or transfer to York or Scarborough".

"These disastrous plans would result in the worst possible outcome for patients and staff," Graham said.

"The short-term savings would not outweigh the long terms costs and are further evidence of York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals treating Bridlington's health services as a poor relation."

In a joint statement with NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, the trust said the care unit was opened during the Covid-19 pandemic to create capacity for patients leaving Scarborough Hospital who were clinically ready for discharge but did not have a care package.

The trust said: "We want to ensure that all patients benefit from the shortest possible stay on a ward, getting home as soon as they are fit to leave hospital with the support they need."

From June, patients would be supported to go to their home or care home sooner rather than having an extended stay in hospital, the trust added.

The trust said: "Discussions have begun with colleagues currently working on the unit, and their views are being sought. All colleagues will be offered alternative units and departments within the trust for them to move to."

It added: "Our intention is to continue to develop Bridlington to be a thriving hub for the community, working in partnership with our wider health and care partner organisations."

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