A ward at Alton Community Hospital has closed while another has expanded - resulting in the loss of ten beds.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust shut Anstey ward and moved some beds to Inwood ward, creating one larger inpatient rehabilitation ward but reducing beds from 40 to 30.

Mid and North Division clinical director Susanna Preedy said: “We are making positive changes to how inpatient rehabilitation is delivered at Alton Community Hospital by bringing all beds together on to one ward.

“This better reflects current levels of demand and allows us to strengthen seven-day therapy and medical cover, providing patients with more consistent and responsive care. Everyone who clinically needs a rehabilitation bed will still have access to one.

“Alton Community Hospital remains a key part of our local NHS. These changes support its long-term future.”

Hampshire County Council's health and adult social care select committee approved the proposals.

East Hampshire MP Damian Hinds said: “I understand the principle of people being cared for in their own homes after time in hospital, which is often the patient’s preference and can help them regain their independence.

“However, there remains a clear need for community beds for those who need them - whether that be patients ‘stepping down’ from hospital, those being ‘stepped up’ by their GPs, or those requiring end of life care.

“It is clear how highly this facility is valued by the local community. It is particularly important for people being discharged from large hospitals to ensure they are not kept in an acute hospital longer than necessary.

“I will keep a close eye on how these proposals are implemented and welcome the trust’s commitment to report on progress at the health and adult social care meeting in March, as it is vital that there are no negative consequences from the closure of Anstey ward.”