Ward in £1.25m revamp to close for trial of home care

The primary care trust – which is looking to axe more beds at both Malton and Whitby community hospitals and transfer staff into the community – announced the "temporary" closure of Ryedale Ward at Malton and Abbey Ward at Whitby by tomorrow.

Ryedale, built in the 1970s, was refurbished nine months ago with en-suite rooms, new dining area and improved treatment and therapy facilities following a complete rewiring and replumb.

A 250,000 donation came from the hospital's League of Friends, while North Yorkshire and York Community and Mental Health Services invested more 1m.

Yesterday Anne McIntosh, MP for Thirsk, Malton and Filey, said: "I wholeheartedly deplore the announcement that Ryedale ward will be closed by the end of the week.

"I regret the process that has been followed and the lack of consultation, which has led to this newly-renovated ward being closed, leaving both patients and clinicians concerned for the future of the hospital."

Ironically, the closure is timed for the very day Miss McIntosh is to meet Jayne Brown OBE, chief executive of NHS North Yorkshire and York, regarding the future of Ryedale ward and the whole hospital.

Janet Probert, MD of community and mental health services, said: "We are fully aware of the local concerns about our enhanced community services pilot scheme and we are working with a range of people to allay those concerns.

"This important pilot is part of our wider plan to reduce the number of unnecessary hospital admissions, enable quicker discharge from hospital and establish better follow up care for people who do require a hospital admission.

Dr Vicky Pleydell, a local GP who chairs NHS North Yorkshire and York's Clinical Executive, said: "Evidence shows that patients retain their independence, benefit from quicker rehabilitation and have a reduced risk of infection when treated in their homes."

The closures will be reviewed in March.