Hospital beds to be scrapped

Around 50 beds are set to be scrapped at Walsall Manor hospital as part of a series of cost-cutting measures, it has emerged today.

The news comes the day after it was revealed more than 400 jobs were being lined up for the axe ahead of the hospital’s switch to foundation trust status.

The proposals involve the closure of Ward 14, the merging of Salisbury and Canterbury wards and the transfer of other wards.

The reductions are part of wider scheme to save more than £14 million by early 2012, with a further plan to cut spending on agency staff and cut down on workers’ sick days.

Walsall Manor Hospital’s application for foundation trust status, which allows bosses independence of government control, has been delayed until next year.

Walsall Hospitals NHS Trust chief executive Sue James said an increase in efficiency would allow a reduction in the number of beds without harming patient care.

“Our service strategy allows us to look carefully at the services that we offer and reduce waits and wastage for our patients,” she said.

“We are looking to reduce by 50 beds, however, this does not mean that we are reducing activity.”