Axe threat ward saved

A closure-threatened ward at Cannock Chase Hospital is to stay open, it was revealed today.

Littleton Ward is to have £900,000 pumped into it to transform it into an intermediate care unit in a partnership move between South Staffordshire PCT and the Mid Staffordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

The deal will safeguard the 28-bed ward over the next two years but its future could remain in doubt after that.

The new unit will care for people recovering from serious illness but not yet well enough to go home.

The news will be welcomed by campaigners who had reacted angrily to news of its possible closure.

The hospital trust had said there was an over supply of beds at the hospital but had a re-think after an "exceptionally busy period."Martin Yeates, chief executive, said: "I am more than aware that the question mark on the future of the facility was causing anxiety for local people as well as our staff and I am therefore delighted that, following extensive discussions with the PCT, a solution has been found that means Littleton ward will remain open at Cannock Chase Hospital.

"This is great news for patients and our staff."

Stuart Poynor, head of South Staffordshire Prim-ary Care Trust said: "This approach to the provision of care means that we will provide patients with appropriate support which will enable them to go home and live independently rather than have continued care in hospital or residential care."

Ethel Powell, chairman of the hospital's League of Friends said she was pleased at the news but added: "There used to be a ward like what they are turning Littleton into on Coppice ward but they closed that.

"The elderly people at the hospital have been pushed and shoved around enough.

"What happens in two years time?"

By Shaun Lintern