Damian released the following statement today:
Damian Hinds, MP for East Hampshire, has called on health authorities to pause the proposed closure of a ward at Petersfield Hospital.
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has launched a staff consultation on the potential closure of Rowan Ward, one of two wards at the hospital providing vital ‘step up’ and ‘step-down’ rehabilitative and palliative care for adult patients, often following discharge from Queen Alexandra (QA) Hospital in Portsmouth.
Damian expressed serious concerns about the proposed changes, saying: “I am worried these proposals are being rushed through. There needs to be a really clear understanding of the potential wider impact on patient care and the broader healthcare system”.
The proposed closure would see services moved to an expanded model of at-home care, where nursing staff visit patients in their homes. However, Damian is urging caution, noting that a reduction in rehabilitative beds could result in unintended consequences: “Home-based care plays a vital part in community healthcare, but so do community hospitals like Petersfield’s. Reducing these beds could lead to discharge delays and increased readmissions to QA and strain across the health and care system.”
He continued: “Rowan and Cedar Wards are a key part of healthcare locally, with amazingly dedicated staff, and popular with patients and families. At the least the proposals should be paused until there has been a very thorough assessment, and patients’ and community voices must be heard. Any move to change the model of care being offered warrants extremely close scrutiny.”
ENDS
