HOSPITAL campaigners fear a small community hospital could face a bleak future because of cuts caused by massive staff shortages, writes Tim Hughes.

Supporters of Wallingford Community Hospital claim that medical services could be permanently lost because of recruitment problems.

Casualty patients are already redirected to other hospitals because staff shortages have forced the closure of its minor injuries unit. The overnight treatment room has been closed for a fortnight because there are not enough ward nurses to staff it.

The closure of the unit has upset members of the Save Wallingford Hospital campaign. Betty Atkins, a former ward sister and deputy mayor of Wallingford, said the fight to save the unit was far from over though the continuing shortage of nurses meant the outlook for the hospital was gloomy.

She said: "I am disappointed and I hope it won't be long before it is opened again. There is a national shortage of nurses, but the uncertainty over Wallingford's future has made things worse, and staff morale is low." Community Health Trust spokesman Ruth Sharrock said the MIU was manned during the day, but relied on help from trained ward nurses at night. She said: "We are recruiting new staff, and hope to re-open the MIU after reviewing the situation."

Hospital manager Lesley Knight was unavailable for comment.

Story date: Thursday 24 February

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