TENBURY'S MP, concerned at the potential loss of community hospital beds, says she is “reassured” after talks with a health chief.
West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin called for a meeting with Worcestershire Health and Care Trust chief executive Sarah Dugan after the trust announced it was beginning a “service transformation programme” to save £8 million a year and focus on delivering care closer to home.
At least 10 per cent of the 2,000 community hospital beds in Worcestershire are expected to become surplus to requirements under the new model.
Mrs Baldwin said she had received assurances there are no plans to reduce beds at either Malvern or Tenbury hospitals.
She was also told that some beds at Pershore are currently “under-used” at certain times but urged caution before making any changes.
“In my opinion there needs to be some spare capacity to cope with peak winter pressures,” she said.
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