Bosses told: infirmary is worth saving (From Warrington Guardian)

Bosses told: infirmary is worth saving

A VOLUNTEER on the inpatient unit at Northwich Victoria Hospital is pleading for the authorities not to close it.

Duncan Goodwin, director of finance, who is chairing a group looking to 'rationalise' beds at Leighton Hospital and the Victoria Infirmary, moved to allay fears saying the investigation was only in its early stages.

June Chapman, of Moss Road, Winnington, has been a volunteer at the infirmary for two years.

She said: "In that time I have seen the patients, of whom the majority are elderly, looked after with kind and tender care in a spotless environment where the dignity of the patients is paramount.

"Their meals are never left out of their reach and neither are drinks or medicines.

"Patients who cannot manage to feed themselves are assisted and the meals are tasty, hot and prepared on the premises."

June said the staff at Northwich were just as overworked and understaffed as any other hospital and yet they managed to carry out their various roles with efficiency and good humour.

She added: "If they can do it other hospitals can and should.

"I would plead with Duncan Goodwin not to look at the inpatient unit with a view to reducing or closing the wards.

"Our elderly patients deserve the excellent care they receive, don't rob them of this because of shortages of cash in other areas."