MP Dan Byles wanted Bramcote Hospital to stay open

[dutchman]

A Warwickshire MP has said he is disappointed with the decision to close a hospital for the elderly.



NHS Warwickshire announced last week it was to shut Bramcote Hospital near Nuneaton and focus on the option of people being cared for at home.

Dan Byles, Conservative MP for North Warwickshire and Bedworth, said he had urged the NHS to keep it open.

He said he was disappointed but recognised the closure plan had the support of many local GPs.

"I call on the trust to ensure that patient safety and choice remain paramount, and that existing patients and their families are kept fully informed of changes well in advance," he said.

The new system must provide as good a patient experience as the hospital, or better, he said.

NHS Warwickshire's chief executive, Paul Jennings, has said the decision to close the hospital was made because it was felt it would be better to expand the county's intermediate care service.

The intermediate care service is for people who do not need to be in hospital, but are unable to look after themselves. It provides care at home.