Devon Hospital Decides Against Proposed Bed Closures

A hospital in Devon has announced its decision not to close several inpatient beds, a measure previously considered to reassign staff for the winter period. Management at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust had put forward a proposal to close 16 beds, which would have involved relocating staff to other hospitals and community services. However, Chief Nurse Nicola McMinn stated: “We have been exploring a number of ways to ensure we have safe and robust services in place this winter.” She further explained, “Following early discussions with ward staff at Totnes and our partners we have decided not to progress this proposal.” Ms. McMinn added that the hospital would continue to investigate alternative methods to provide “high levels of compassionate and safe care.” She also advised: “People should continue to use the hospital for any planned appointments and the minor injuries unit if they need treatment for broken bones and sprains, cuts, grazes, burns and scalds.”