FURIOUS nursing staff and union chiefs have hit out at a plan to close part of a hospital - claiming the move will put lives at risk.
Over 800 supporters have signed an online petition demanding health board bosses rethink a proposal to shut ward 36 at the Royal Alexandra in Paisley.
Unison representatives say the ward has been key to providing vital care for the elderly and claim the cut will mean job losses and the removal of 22 beds, pushing an already stretched service to breaking point.
One whistleblower exclusively told the Glasgow Times that staff are particularly concerned about the timing of the proposal as winter looms.
They said: “Staff are fearful as the ward is used to care for many vulnerable patients, and the worry is they are now going to fall through the cracks.
“The busy winter period will only bring even more pressure on doctors and nurses who are already feeling burnt out. No hospital can afford to close a ward and lose beds when they are at a premium.
“It might add up on a budget spreadsheet, but it makes no practical sense. There needs to be an urgent rethink as this is clearly just another cost-cutting measure that simply won’t benefit the hospital in the long term.
“It will impact older people's services, cause bed blocking and have a detrimental impact on patient flow throughout the RAH.”
Lorcan Mullen, Unison Regional Organiser for NHS Glasgow Clyde & CVS, is calling on health chiefs to enter meaningful negotiations over the proposal.
He said: “Unison opposes this ward closure plan - and we have already seen strong support for the campaign to save it within the hospital and the wider community.
“This is just one of a range of proposed cuts to jobs and services in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. Unison is calling for an end to this approach and decisive Scottish Government intervention to protect jobs and services.”
He added: “We urge the public to support Unison’s work to save ward 36 and our wider efforts to protect the health service and health workers.”
The petition, which is live here on change,org, has garnered support from hundreds of people across Renfrewshire – with locals vocal on their reasons for signing.
Geraldine Johnstone said: “It will strain bed management and impact patient care and quality of care.”
Karen Bynoe added: “I know many elderly people who have used this ward and still need it. Once this resource is gone, you can’t get it back. Don’t treat the elderly this way.”
Health board bosses have hit back, saying that the ward is not being used for elderly care and is instead acting as a delayed discharge unit.
A spokesperson for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde told the Glasgow Times that they are committed to providing the best possible patient-centred care for all of their patients, including older adults.
They added: “We believe that providing care that helps older adults remain in their own homes whenever possible leads to better health outcomes and an improved quality of life, as evidence shows that longer hospital stays can increase the risk of falls, delirium, hospital-acquired infections, and deconditioning.
"In line with other health boards throughout the country, we aim to address these risks and promote better health for our patients by reducing hospital stays where appropriate – and Hospital at Home is one of the principal models to help us deliver this.
“Ward 36 of the Royal Alexandra Hospital is not being used for the long-term care of elderly patients, nor is it fully utilised in its current form.
“Therefore, NHSGGC is embarking on a test of change where these resources will be directed to support the Hospital at Home service in Renfrewshire, allowing us to provide modern care for older people in a way that more fully meets the needs of our patients. The test will be kept under review, and if successful the potential for a longer-term change will be investigated.
“NHSGGC is working with Healthcare Improvement Scotland to support engagement with patients and their families and carers.
“We will continue to engage with our staff to ensure they are fully involved through this period.”
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