Bed closures at Ilkeston Community Hospital have been categorically ruled out as part of Derbyshire CCGs plans to make in-year saving of 3% during 2018/19.
The news follows a meeting of the CCGs Governing Body on Thursday 27th September, during which they accepted the recommendations made by Dr Chris Clayton, CEO of Derbyshire CCGs, that bed numbers should not be reduced.
Local MP Maggie Throup, who recently held a public meeting with key NHS decision makers to discuss the wider Erewash health economy, has welcomed the news and renewed her calls for Labour to put an end to the scaremongering.
Commenting on the announcement, Maggie said:
“I am extremely pleased to confirm that no beds will close at Ilkeston Community Hospital as part of Derbyshire CCGs wider plans to save 3% of their budget this year.
“Over recent months I have held intensive discussions with Health Ministers and NHS bosses at the CCGs regarding their budget shortfall, during which I have always made the case for Ilkeston Hospital as a strategic asset to our local NHS which must be maintained.
“It is clear that the CCGs have been persuaded by my argument, and have moved to reassure residents by publicly ruling out bed closures.
“The irresponsible way in which the Labour Party has weaponised this issue has caused a great deal of distress to both patients, staff and our wider community who, like myself, care deeply about our local hospital and only want to see its services enhanced.
“Hopefully we can now get back to what for me is the most important thing; supporting our fantastic hospital and its staff to provide the best possible care to their patients.”