Fire safety review prompts bed reduction at Shipston hospital

A reduction in the number of beds at Shipston's Ellen Badger Hospital has been ordered following a recent inspection by the Warwickshire fire and Rescue Service identified minor safety vulnerabilities.

The fire service recently reviewed Ellen Badger Hospital and identified an area of concern in a compartment under a section of flooring. This prompted them to serve a notice which gives the Trust until the end of March 2018 to resolve the issue.

A plan has been developed to carry out this maintenance following the advice of the fire service.

A spokesperson for South Warwickshire NHS Trust said: "This will result in the reconfiguration of some spaces and a small reduction in beds. We will also need to move the Day Hospital to another area at Ellen Badger, this will not result in a change to services but will mean a slightly restricted space during the essential maintenance.

"The Trust views Ellen Badger Hospital as a key part of future healthcare delivery and whilst we are investing a small amount now to resolve this issue there are future plans that will look to develop the site further. This plan will be worked up next year with key stakeholders including our primary care colleagues to ensure we deliver the best possible care for local people."

We apologise for any inconvenience this work causes and ask for your patience whilst it is completed.

Plans are being finalised for work to start as soon as possible and is due to be completed by the end of March 2018.