Bed losses and cleaning cuts as Minister makes savings

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The South Eastern Health Trust has been slammed for a number of cuts that will see the closure of GP beds at the Ards Hospital site and the cessation of cleaning services in some areas of the Trust.

The Chronicle was made aware of a memo circulated to staff across the South Eastern Trust recently, detailing changes to cleaning regimes. It stated: "As part of the Trust's savings plan, it has been agreed that cleaning will be withdrawn from offices in non-patient areas, effective from June 25, 2010. We would ask that all waste bins are left outside office areas for emptying daily. The cleaning service will be provided only on request. This would be classed a low priority area and may not be actioned immediately."

We contacted the Trust to ask what exactly the implications the loss of cleaning services would be on infection control and hygiene within the Trust buildings, and what areas would be affected. A spokesperson replied: "As part of the South Eastern HSC Trusts cost reduction plan, it is necessary to reduce cleaning from all non-patient areas. These areas include general offices, staff rooms etc. Cleaning in these areas will be provided upon request.

"All areas accessed by patients, including offices used by doctors for patient consultations will continue to be cleaned. This decision is deemed necessary in order for the Trust to achieve required savings."

The Chronicle was also notified of the closure of beds at the GP Wards within Ards Hospital. It is believed the beds are being reduced from 20 to 14 with some staff speculating that Care of the Elderly beds will be closed altogether.

We again put this to the Trust who confirmed the closure of six beds, and did not rule out the loss of Care of the Elderly beds: "No decision has yet been made in respect of beds in Care of the Elderly," the spokesperson confirmed.

Referring to the loss of six beds they said: "The South Eastern HSC Trust is required to meet the efficiency targets set out and this is part of the Trust's response to achieve this. The Trust can give an assurance that services and patients will not be affected by this change. This decision will not affect the future viability of Ards Hospital."

However, some members of staff have voiced their concern - concern shared by Strangford MLA Kieran McCarthy: "I attended a packed consultation meeting with Board officials last week and there was not a mention of these reduced beds at Ards. It was only at a meeting of the Health Committee of Council that the Chief executive confirmed the beds would close at the beginning of July," he said.

This will come as a real blow to GPs in the locality if their patients cannot get a bed in the Ards Hospital. Will patients then be shunted around the country to available beds before they receive the necessary treatment?"