Axe lifted from Bridlington care unit after thousands of people raise concerns

York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which is grappling with a deficit of £28.5m this financial year, were going to close the Bridlington Care Unit at Bridlington Hospital today (June 1)

However it has now said it will be carrying out further work to “to provide further assurance about community services, strengthen engagement, and clearly set out our longer-term vision for healthcare services in Bridlington”.

It came after nearly 6,000 people signed a petition raised by local MP Charlie Dewhirst.

Members of East Riding Council’s health and wellbeing scrutiny committee had raised concerns that community care services weren’t equipped to replace the role currently played by the BCU, which provides short-stay rehabilitation for patients who have finished medical treatment.

The Care Quality Commission last year rated the council's adult social care as “inadequate” following an inspection.

It said too many East Riding residents were facing unacceptable delays getting the support they needed, which was having a negative effect on their health.

Mr Dewhirst said: “Thank you so much for all of your support – from the almost 6,000 people who signed the petition I presented to Parliament, the Bridlington Health Forum, and everybody else at East Riding of Yorkshire Council and others who have put the pressure on the NHS Trust to make the right choice.

“The NHS Trust have recognised the strength of feeling regarding the proposed closure, have acknowledged their regret at the unacceptable sequencing and timing of their engagement on this, and also that they need to do more to regain the trust and confidence of East Yorkshire residents.

“Having postponed their decision in order to review local concerns, including the readiness of other community services, the Trust have promised genuine and open engagement with residents over the summer.

“I remain firmly opposed to this closure and will continue to fight to protect local rehabilitation capacity and expand our local health services.”

A spokesperson for York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We recognise the strength of feeling locally about the proposed closure of Bridlington Care Unit and are grateful to everyone who has taken the time to share their views.

“Having considered the recommendations made by East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee, along with feedback from patients, staff, local residents and stakeholders, the Trust has agreed to review the planned closure while further work is undertaken.

“Over the coming months, we will work with Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board and our partners to provide further assurance about community services, strengthen engagement, and clearly set out our longer-term vision for healthcare services in Bridlington. We are committed to ensuring that local people have the opportunity to understand the proposals, share their views and help shape future plans.

“Our priority remains providing safe, sustainable and high-quality care for local people.”