Irvine Unit closure of beds 'temporary'

Hastings and Rother Primary Care Trust says the move is a temporary measure and will be reviewed at the end of January.

A spokesman said: "This decision has been taken due to building and other maintenance works within the unit, together with a number of staff vacancies which are in the process of being filled.

"It is estimated that the closure of these beds will last until the end of January 2008 when the position will be reviewed.

"The PCT regrets the short notice for this change but the temporary closure is essential for patient and staff safety and cannot be delayed.

"During this time, the PCT will commission palliative care beds from private providers in Bexhill and Hastings and maximise the use of inpatient facilities at the Rye Memorial Hospital.

"A clinical nurse specialist will provide clinical support and these arrangements will not affect the level of care offered to patients at the Irvine Unit in the long term."

During this period, an action plan to support the temporary closure and the subsequent re-opening of beds will be implemented.

Alice Webster, head of adult Services for Hastings and Rother, said: "This period of time will allow us to continue to deliver appropriate care to patients within the Irvine Unit, whilst also allowing us to develop services that will better meet local need now and in the future."