The petition of residents of Shipston-on-Stour and surrounding villages,
Declares that the Ellen Badger Hospital in the town of Shipston-on-Stour has a strong tradition of care for generations of local residents, and there is huge public upset, and disappointment, at the recommendations to remove the in-patient ward; further that community hospitals with in-patient beds provide important integrated healthcare facilities, as well as employment opportunities to the local community; and further that the provision of a comprehensive healthcare facility with in-patient beds close to home is essential for our rural communities.
The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Government to support the retainment of the in-patient beds for the Ellen Badger Community Hospital in Shipston-on-Stour.
And the petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Manuela Perteghella, Official Report, 8 January 2025; Vol. 759, c. 962.]
[P003029]
Observations fromthe Minister for Secondary Care (Karin Smyth):The Government are committed to moving towards a neighbourhood health service, with more care delivered in local communities to spot problems earlier, supporting people to stay healthier for longer. As the NHS delivers on the three shifts—from hospital to community, treatment to prevention, and analogue to digital—this will establish a neighbourhood health service that provides more responsive local access for everyone, more proactive support to help prevent ill health, better continuity of care for those who need it, and effectively co-ordinated care for those with multiple complex needs; supporting people to live more independently and reducing the need for hospital care.
The Government are aware that the NHS Coventry and Warwickshire integrated care board has invited current and former patients, staff, stakeholders, local residents, and interested organisations to participate in a consultation about the future permanent locations of 35 community hospital rehabilitation beds in south Warwickshire. This public consultation is open from 6 January 2025 to 14 February 2025.
The Government understand that a panel of experts, NHS staff and community members worked together to develop a shortlist of options for full appraisal. The ICB has engaged with the Warwickshire health overview and scrutiny committee as well as other stakeholders, including Healthwatch Warwickshire, patient representatives, carers, community members, local groups such as Beds 4 Badger, Shipston town council, and doctors and health experts.
In September 2024, two options were finalised:
To distribute all 35 beds across three sites, Ellen Badger hospital, Leamington Spa hospital and Stratford hospital, or;
To provide all 35 beds at two sites, Leamington Spa hospital and Stratford hospital.
The Government understand that these proposals were reviewed to make sure they met patient needs, aligned with NHS goals and priorities, and were affordable and sustainable.
The Government believe that local health and care organisations are best placed to make decisions on commissioning services for their communities, working with local authorities, stakeholders and local populations to meet people’s needs.