Devon community hospitals: Holsworthy shuts inpatient services temporarily

Holsworthy Hospital in North Devon has temporarily closed its inpatient services, following concerns over patient safety.

The Trust which runs the community hospital says it's struggling to recruit enough staff.

Yesterday it was confirmed that inpatient services at another four community hospitals in East Devon are to close. Health bosses admit the problem is unlikely to be solved quickly.

The Trust has been using agency staff to fill in some shifts, but they believe this does not provide "the best continuity of care for patients." But there has been a drop in the number of patients being admitted to the hospital.

South Molton Hospital is also facing difficulty in recruiting staff.

All of the other services at the Holsworthy Hospital, including consultant outpatient appointments and day services, will continue as normal.