THE inpatient beds at Holsworthy Community Hospital may not realistically return until the autumn of 2019 according to the Holsworthy Community Involvement group (HCIG) — but assurances have been made that interim bed provision is to be considered.

‘The Northern Devon Healthcare Trust (NDHT) has explored a wide range of alternatives to ensure safe, effective and sustainable medical cover and has reached the conclusion with its partners that with the current recruitment pressures facing primary care, autumn 2019 would realistically be the earliest that inpatient beds could reopen — even in the most favourable circumstances’. This was the statement made in the latest update from the HCIG, which has been meeting monthly to look into how the right services can be provided for the Holsworthy area in future.

Local people set up the Holsworthy Community Involvement Group to manage this process. The two Devon CCGs, Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust, town and district councillors also attend.

One of the main requirements for reopening the beds was for safe medical cover to be in place — this proved difficult to achieve quickly owing to the ongoing pressure on GP services. Although an important first step, the group said there remains more work to follow with the recruitment of nurses and other staff.

Given that the beds are unlikely to open before the autumn, and early indications from the community survey which show end of life care is a priority, HCIG has officially requested the NHS consider interim bed provision for the town and local area. To this end, the CCG and NDHT are now in discussions with a view to supporting end of life and rehabilitation inpatient beds by working with other local providers.

If approved, such local services will complement the more than 50 services, clinics and groups at Holsworthy Community Hospital. This includes new services such as those for chronic kidney disease, depression and anxiety, Multiple Sclerosis and kidney care. In addition there are more than 35 health and care staff providing care in the local community to rehabilitate patients, avoid admissions and promote independence.

An update on the position of beds at Holsworthy Community Hospital was provided by member of HCIG and mayor of Holsworthy Jon Hutchings during the full council meeting on Wednesday, January 16.

Cllr Hutchings said: “There are still problems surrounding recruiting. But in the interim they are looking at getting three nursing beds into local residential homes for those needing end of life care.”

However, Cllr Hutchings was challenged by Cllr Helen Parker, a registered nurse.

She said: “They will not be able to provide 24-hour care. Those who need 24-hour care will be in a nursing home, which is paid for by the state — residential homes do not need to have a registered nurse. Don’t let them sell you these beds as anything less than what they are. They are not nursing beds, we won’t be stood at your bedside.”

Cllr Hutchings said he still thought it was a positive move forward as there would be three beds available for the local area.

Moving forward, HCIG has confirmed the results of the quantitative survey, which was carried out last year, are currently being analysed by Healthwatch Devon and will be published shortly.

The next stage of research will begin in February with focus groups taking pace in venues around Holsworthy and the surrounding area. Once this has been undertaken and analysed, HCIG will make a list of recommendations. This will then be presented to the CCG, which has responsibility for commissioning local healthcare services.

In the meantime, NEW Devon CCG and Northern Devon Healthcare Trust will work with local providers on the proposed interim bed provision to support end of life and rehabilitation care in Holsworthy.