Lib Dems bid to protect community hospitals

9.14.11am UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 16th Sep 2005

Liberal Democrats in Hampshire have tabled an emergency motion to their national party conference calling for action to protect community hospitals. Many health trusts in the region are running into debt and are struggling with the administrative burden caused by Government targets.

The full text of the motion is:

EMERGENCY MOTION TO LIBERAL DEMOCRAT FEDERAL CONFERENCE

Conference welcomes the initiatives to integrate health and social care systems, but is deeply concerned that Primary Care Trusts in various parts of the country are rushing through proposals to close local community hospitals which provide valuable beds for respite and convalescent care, without putting in place adequate home care or nursing home alternatives.

Conference notes that:

a) the reason the closures are taking place is because of the heavy costs PCTs are having to bear in meeting Government targets, and administration expenses.

b) many patients are in hospital beds when they might be better nursed at home or in a nursing home.

c) family and friends will not be able to nurse them at home unless there is a robust network of professional support, and suitable aids available to adapt the home for their needs.

Conference moves that:

1) Government should work with PCTs to find ways to reduce their overspends without closing essential services.

2) full consultation takes place with the local community before any closures take place.

3) an adequate care package is in place before any patient is sent home, or to a nursing home, which has been agreed with the patient's family and local social services.