The future of Rothbury's inpatient unit: consultations begin

By Helen Ford

The future of the inpatient unit at Rothbury Community Hospital is under the spotlight at the start of a three month consultation process.

The twelve-bed ward has been temporarily closed since the autumn. Now the Northumberland Clinical Commissioning Group, which is responsible for much of the county's hospital and community health services, is proposing the permanent closure of the unit.

Health bosses say too few patients have been using the ward, arguing that more services can now be offered to people at home.

The unit has been used mainly by older patients experiencing frailty, and for people recovering from specialist care in larger hospitals. Those with terminal illnesses have also been cared for on the ward.The CCG says that during 2015/16 around half the unit's beds were unoccupied, on average.

Those fighting the unit's closure believe too little has been done to promote the ward. Rothbury resident Larry Lampert says at no time was he offered the chance to recuperate there, as he prepared for a hip replacement operation last year.

Mr Lampert says he and his wife struggled to cope when he first came home, due to his limited mobility.

The campaign group fighting the closure of the inpatient ward says the facility is essential, given the number of older people living in Rothbury and the surrounding area.

The campaigners and the CCG do agree on one thing: both are keen to see Rothbury Community Hospital used for a wider range of services. Campaigners have already put forward plans to create what they call a 'health and social care hub', including a range of surgeries and clinics. The CCG is suggesting that Rothbury's GP surgery could relocate to the hospital.

The public consultation will look not only at the inpatient unit, but the future of the hospital as a whole. The process will continue until 25 April 2017, with public meetings due to take place during that time.