Rugby Residents to Stage Second Protest Over Planned Hospital Ward Closure

Residents of Rugby express feeling “forgotten” as they prepare for a second demonstration opposing the proposed closure of a hospital ward. Hundreds are anticipated to march through the Warwickshire town this Saturday, protesting planned alterations at the Hospital of St Cross. The Hoskyn Ward at the hospital, which comprises 25 of the 110 beds available on the premises, is scheduled for closure on 4 December. According to the proposals, the University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust has stated its ambitious intentions to redevelop the facility and offer a high-quality setting for both staff and patients. Prof Andy Hardy, UHCW’s chief executive, previously stated that a review indicated the hospital no longer required its current inpatient bed capacity. He further explained that the closure directly addresses a decrease in patient transfers to the hospital, and the trust remains dedicated to “developing and investing in services.” Conversely, Councillor Maggie O’Rourke of Rugby Borough Council commented that residents in the town were “totally frustrated.” She remarked, “We feel that Rugby has been forgotten, there’s lots of things that need to be addressed,” adding, “We’ve been overlooked because of where we are.” A prior demonstration in October, protesting the decision to close the ward, drew hundreds of participants who expressed frustration regarding the implementation process of the hospital’s changes. Thomas Crinigan, an organiser of the march, stated, “Time and time again there is no consultation, there’s no communication from our trust to the people of Rugby.” He continued, “We don’t hear nothing, all we’re hearing is that services are being cut.” Julie Weekes, representing Keep Our NHS Public, informed the BBC that the ward’s closure presents a “big concern” given the anticipated strain on services during the winter months. She commented, “Clearly the people who are affected most in the winter are those who are vulnerable and particularly the elderly and yet we’re going to have 25 beds fewer for those people.” For further updates, follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X, and Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available for review.