Exclusive: Big overhaul of NHS ‘mental health’ services in Nottinghamshire

In recent days we have been receiving Emails and other communications advising us of the closure of ward A23 at Nottingham’s Queen’s Medical Centre which caters for 20 very ill Dementia and Alzheimer's patients. The decision was taken at a special meeting of Nottingham Healthcare NHS Trust on Friday 5th October.

Our correspondents are deeply concerned that the Dementia patients on ward A23 will be moved onto the ‘Care in the Community Programme’ following the ward closure at the end of the year. This is because NHS staff will be unable to provide the necessary 24/7 care to look after the patients, and untrained family members will be unable to cope.

There are several points which have been brought to our attention which I have been able to verify with journalists at the Nottingham Post and the BBC, although the Nottingham Healthcare NHS Trust has so far not confirmed any of the reports. The Trust said it would issue a Press Statement on Wednesday afternoon, 10th October, and failed to do so.  I therefore contacted the Trust earlier today and have so far not heard anything from them either, although they promised to answer my questions.

I have therefore written to the Communications Team at the Nottingham Healthcare NHS Trust for clarification:

Dear Sir,

Closure of ward A23 at Nottingham Queen’s Medical Centre and other changes

I run a website in St Ann’s for the Stonebridge Park which covers various topics of interest to our readers.

I have received a number of Emails & phone calls this week regarding the closure of ward A23 at the Queens Medical Centre, and a number of our correspondents have highlighted several points.

Please can you confirm the following changes which I am advised where agreed at your committee meeting held on Friday 5^th October?

1.     At the Queens Medical Centre ward A23 – Dissolved (Closed) with the loss of 20 Beds for Dementia patients.

2.     Ward B50 – is being transferred to old Hasting ward (Highbury hospital) and is being renamed CHERRY Ward – (Functional Illness) and will be for Female patients only.

3.     That you are already finding places for A23 staff to be transferred too.

4.     That Bronte ward at Kirkby in Ashfield is currently closing and merging with Silver Birch ward at Highbury Hospital. And that this will be a Dementia Intensive Care Unit with 20 Beds

5.     That Daybook Remains the same, 20 beds – Functional Illness, at the CITY Hospital St Francis, which will become a Male only ward.

6.     That Bestwood Remains the same, 20 beds – Dementia, Organic at the CITY Hospital St Francis.

7.     Finally, can you please confirm that the A23 closure plan has to be submitted to the CQC Care Quality Commissioners for approval?

By Richard Pearson