JEREMY WILL FIGHT FOR HASLEMERE HOSPITAL BEDS

January 29th 2010: Jeremy visits Haslemere Hospital and discusses bed closures with local Councillors

South West Surrey MP Jeremy Hunt has vowed to fight for Haslemere Hospital following recent concerns over bed closures on Godwin Ward.  Jeremy met with Cllr Dr Nicky Lee and Cllr Robert Knowles on Friday along with Dr Risdell Smith, a local GP.  All three are extremely concerned about the reasons for closing the beds. Cleaning and general maintenance was originally cited but now they are admitting the reasons are financial and cannot open them this financial year.  Surrey PCT Chief Executive has explained that this so called bed flexing only goes ahead when there is a low demand for beds.  It is clear however that this is not the case with a 90% occupancy rate at Haslemere. Jeremy is compiling as much information as possible before meeting with Chris Butler to get to the bottom of the situation.

Jeremy said: “I am worried that this “bed flexing” is actually a shorthand for ward closures. The closure of one ward at Christmas was supposed to be for deep cleaning but now appears to have become permanent even though we know there is demand for its beds. It seems like we have to refight the battle for local healthcare provision every couple of years – so I hope the PCT is ready for a huge fight if they really do want to remove all the community beds from Haslemere. All the evidence is that such a move would not only be very unpopular, but increase costs as people would end up blocking beds in the Royal Surrey instead.”

 

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