Work needed at Shipley Community Hospital 'might not be cost-effective'

The hospital in Kirkgate also needs major refurbishment work.

In light of the fire inspection, the hospital is now making only eight of its 17 beds available and staffing levels have been increased to ensure the safety of patients.

The community hospital is one of five in the Bradford district run by NHS Bradford and Airedale to provide inpatient care for mainly elderly people who need rehabilitation and recuperation after leaving hospital. They also care for patients, referred there by their GP, who do not need to go to a main hospital.

There are 80 beds open in community hospitals across the district at Shipley, Eccleshill Community Hospital, Westwood Park at Clayton Heights, Westbourne Green in Manningham and St Luke’s Hospital.

Eccleshill and Westwood Park both underwent major refurbishment last year and Westbourne Green is a new facility.

Leeds Road Community Hospital was closed, with its beds moving to St Luke’s, after a public consultation. It had similar safety issues to Shipley.

A spokesman for NHS Bradford and Airedale said: “We are looking at future plans for Shipley Community Hospital but no decisions have yet been made and the hospital remains open for business.

“There are a number of issues affecting the hospital including the need for major refurbishment works, which may not be cost-effective, to make it fit for purpose.

“In addition, a fire inspection has highlighted issues which have led to a reduction in the number of beds available and increased staffing levels to ensure patient safety.

“Providing safe, high-quality and appropriate care for our patients is our priority and this must be reflected in any future planning.”

Any proposal to close the community hospital would have to be brought before a public board meeting of NHS Bradford and Airedale for discussion and be the subject of a three-month public consultation.

e-mail: claire.lomax@telegraphandargus.co.uk