THE?temporary closure of beds at Holsworthy Community Hospital has been described as ‘sad news for the community of Holsworthy’ by the chief executive of North Devon Hospice, Stephen Roberts.

Mr Roberts said: “It is sad news for the community of Holsworthy. Our hospice nurses would regularly go in to the community hospital and working side by side with the great team there, help care for patients who were towards the end of life.

“We know what a vital resource it is for local people. One of the reasons we opened The Long House, our new outreach centre in Holsworthy, just 18 months ago was because we recognised the difficulty of patients and families travelling as far as Barnstaple to access services.

“Therefore, we sincerely hope that the beds at Holsworthy Community Hospital do reopen soon.”

He added: “North Devon Hospice will continue to work with local healthcare teams in the area, providing care and support to patients and families who are facing life-limiting illnesses such as pulmonary disease and cancer.

“This support is not only provided at The Long House, but also through our Community Nurse Specialists and Hospice to Home teams who care for patients in any setting including their own homes.”