Views are sought on hospital shake-up

Under the proposals, announced last year which are currently out to public consultation, services will be lost at Alexander House in Knaresborough, which provides care for elderly people suffering from dementia as part of the proposed shake-up.

In 2006, the last time changes were proposed, a petition to save the service was backed by more than 9,000 people.

Health bosses say Alexander House and the Rowan Ward at Harrogate District Hospital currently have 32 beds but argue these beds are under-used. They are proposing bed numbers are halved to 16 and these would all be provided at the Rowan Ward at Harrogate’s hospital.

Alexander House, which has traditionally provided long term care, will be used as a community resource centre with a memory clinic and other dementia services.

Health bosses say the plan will free-up cash and allow it to bring in service improvements which will ensure early diagnosis and home care for those living with dementia.

The Harrogate and Rural District Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) will be hosting a public meeting with Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust to discuss the proposals on Wednesday, January 16, 3pm-5pm, at Knaresborough House, High St, Knaresborough.

Adele Coulthard, Director of Operations at the Trust, said: “Our main priority is for local people with dementia to get the care and treatment they need.”

Dr Rick Sweeney, local GP and governing body member of the CCG, said it wanted to involve local people in decision making.