MP: Tell us the truth about plans for Richardson Hospital, in Barnard Castle

TEESDALE’S MP has urged health chiefs to tell staff the truth about their “real plans” for the future of Richardson Hospital in Barnard Castle.

Helen Goodman has called for a meeting following the  announcement that the community hospital will be downsizing further to just 16 beds.
In a letter addressed to the chief executive of County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust Sue Jacques, Ms Goodman wrote: “I am extremely concerned about the reports that contrary to your reassurances last year the ‘temporary’ closure of the Lowson ward at Richardson Hospital is to be made permanent.
“In the meeting I organised at Barnard Castle Methodist Church you told those present that the closure was just temporary and you had specific plans to reopen the ward.
“It is clear that the strategy used to close the maternity and breast screening services in Bishop Auckland hospital are in fact a trust-wide strategy to circumventing public consultation on permanent closure of facilities and this is simply not acceptable.”
The controversial closure of the Lowson ward in October 2015 caused a public backlash and more than 100 people attended Ms Goodman’s meeting. Those present were told that the ward could reopen if staff could be recruited.
However, jobs at the hospital are now in jeopardy after it emerged earlier this month that the trust is planning to reduce the number of beds on the Starling ward from 24 to 16. During a staff meeting, it was also revealed that the Lowson ward would not be reopening.
Ms Goodman wrote: “It is now clear that there was no intention to reopen the Lowson ward and that a reduction in services will continue as I understand that you are also reducing the provision in the Starling ward by 30 per cent with staff being asked to ‘volunteer’ to move to hospitals in Bishop Auckland, Durham and Darlington.
“When we meet you consistently tell me that one of your main issues is with recruitment and it is clear to see why when your hard working nursing staff are constantly worried about the secrecy and dishonesty around service changes.
 “The staff and local residents deserve to know the truth about your real plans for Richardson Hospital and I therefore request an early meeting with you to discuss this situation.”
A spokesperson for County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust said: “Having just received the letter from Helen Goodman, we are arranging a meeting between her and our chief executive.
 “We have 24 beds available currently at The Richardson Hospital, however, based on the numbers of patients benefiting from an inpatient stay we know that 16 beds is sufficient to meet that need.
“This is based on both current and projected occupancy levels and, consequently, there are no immediate plans to reopen the Lowson ward.
 “Patients will continue to have access to the same services – this is about meeting their needs whilst using our resources in the best way.
“We would like to assure patients and their families that should demand increase we have the flexibility to open additional beds at very short notice, although we don’t
anticipate this will be necessary.
 “Patient safety is a priority for us and staffing levels at the Richardson Hospital will continue to meet national guidelines.
We are being open and honest with our staff and are consulting with them. No job losses are planned as we have vacancies across the trust.”