PROTESTERS marched through Rugby to oppose the closure of a ward at St Cross Hospital last weekend.
Organisers said the march, in which around 300 people walked through Rugby town centre on Saturday (October 26), was being staged to voice residents’ ‘displeasure and anger’ over the move.
The 25-bed Hoskyn Ward will close on December 4.
University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust said the ward was being closed because patients from Coventry are no longer being sent there for treatment, and access to medical inpatient beds at the hospital would remain the same for Rugby and Warwickshire patients.
But participant Mark Hickman said the announcement had sparked ‘deep concern’ in the community given Rugby’s population had grown considerably in recent years.
He said: “There has been no public consultation, despite the ward’s crucial role as a resource for local patients.
“Many residents fear the closure will place increased pressure on other healthcare services and lead to longer wait times for patients.
“Protesters argue that shutting down the ward would undermine the hospital’s ability to provide essential care to the growing population of Rugby.
“We are concerned about the potential impact on patient care and local health services. We advocate for the preservation of essential services in Rugby, instead of a centralisation of services that overlooks the needs of the community.”
A UHCW spokesperson said the closure of Hoskyn Ward would not affect patients from Rugby, adding: “Following the introduction of a pathway for Coventry patients that avoids the need for them to transfer to Rugby, the Trust has seen a significant reduction in the demand for transfers to St Cross.
“It is important to note that access to medical inpatient beds will remain the same for Rugby and Warwickshire patients at St Cross.
“For Coventry people, it will mean the end of lengthy admissions in Rugby. The decision is designed to support people to be more independent closer to home, utilising care from community teams.”
The Trust’s chief executive Professor Andy Hardy added: “This planned change does not mean less access to medical beds for Rugby and Warwickshire patients – we remain fully committed to offering more services and investing into the future of the Hospital of St Cross.
“Our Improving Lives programme is helping us to identify patients who could avoid hospital admission and be better supported through community services.”
