Patients hit out at plans to close ward

It is understood the hospital's gynaecology unit could be swallowed up by a new admissions ward.

Two patients, who were both recently treated on ward 20, spoke out about the move this week.

Janice Butler, of Silsden, and Barnoldswick woman Maureen Davis said they were appalled to hear about the closure.

They said chief executive Adam Cairns had been on to the ward to reassure patients.

Mrs Butler said: "It is absolutely disgusting. I was with another patient when we heard about the closure. She had just had both of her breasts removed and this just upset her even more.

"The nurses on the ward are there to give specialist help and support to women who are undergoing very sensitive operations.

"It doesn't seem right that gynaecology patients will end up on wards with people with in-growing toe-nails or broken legs."

Mrs Davis added: "I am very concerned because of the delicate situation the patients are in, they help and support one another.

"The dedication of the nurses with their years of experience is invaluable. We very strongly believe the ward should remain for gynaecology. The staff cannot do enough for you, it would be a crying shame if the ward is swallowed up somewhere else.

"It could mean waiting lists could become longer. It seems the hospital is trying to claw back some money. It has also increased car parking charges from £1 to £2."

Unison representative Linda Dalton confirmed she was in talks with Mr Cairns and staff.

She said: "Whatever happens, the chief executive needs to look very carefully and sensitively at where these patients go. He can't rush this. Staff are up in arms about where the patients are going to go."

Mrs Dalton confirmed 25 nurses with more than 100 years' experience between them could be affected by the closure.

She added: "If this ward is going to be closed for another surgical ward, that's fair enough. But there has to be a place allocated for ladies who need gynaecology operations."

District councillor Andrew Mallinson said he was aware of the closure and claimed another ward treating elderly patients was also under imminent threat.

He told the Herald: "It is annoying and frustrating and I think there is a great deal of anger over the fact that in this day and age we are supposed to be a caring nation. The needs of patients at Airedale seem to be ignored.

"The hospital has to be a viably run organisation but there must be Government assisted funding to get the hospital over this rough patch. Where does it end?"

Mr Cairns told the Herald: "Rather than having our patients come into hospital unnecessarily before their surgery and spend time away from home, we are looking at an idea to provide a new admissions unit where our patients only come in on the day of their surgery or procedure.

"This will be better for our patients because they will only be spending the time in hospital that is actually needed.

"There will be no change to the care or treatment of those patients and they will still be cared for in the best environment with best nursing and medical skills that are required to support their particular needs."

The proposal comes after it was reported 25 jobs would be lost and two wards would be closed as the hospital tried to claw back a £5 million deficit.