Fears are raised about the future of hospital (From Warrington Guardian)

Fears are raised about the future of hospital

FEARS about the future of Northwich Victoria Infirmary's status as a hospital have been expressed because the health trust which runs it needs to save money.

Mid Cheshire Hospital Trust is looking to save £9million and has confirmed it is looking at reducing the number of beds across the Trust as one option.

But director of finance Duncan Goodwin, who has chaired a group looking to 'rationalise' beds at Leighton Hospital and Victoria Infirmary, says the investigation is in its early stages.

He said no decision would be taken until that detailed assessment process had been fully completed.

Robert Verdin MP gave his house to the people of Northwich to be used as a hospital in 1887.

Today Northwich Victoria Infirmary has two inpatient wards providing 31 beds, dedicated support services, a minor injuries unit, therapy services department and many outpatient services.

One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "It would be such a shame if it wasn't a hospital any more. It would be years of history gone."

Mr Goodwin said: "We understand that people could be concerned by talk of reducing bed numbers.

"However I want to reassure our patients that any potential reduction would not mean a reduction in the range of services we provide or the quality of care they receive.

"Advances in healthcare mean some people no longer need to be looked after in hospital, or can be discharged safely much sooner than before.

"That means some of our beds may no longer be necessary and we are currently working closely with our doctors, nurses and managers to establish if that is the case."

Mr Goodwin added that Victoria Infirmary would play a vital role in the future of the Trust.

He said: "As a Trust we are committed to providing high quality healthcare to the people we serve, and we simply could not do that without a secure and thriving Victoria Infirmary.

"Tens of thousands of patients each year access a wide range of health services at Victoria Infirmary, including its dedicated minor injuries unit, outpatient clinics, therapy services and x-ray department.

"That will continue to be the case."