A DECISION on the future of Milford Hospital could be delayed until at least November, partly because of the planned short-term reopening of 20 beds at the hospital.
Members of West Surrey Health Authority, due to meet yesterday (Thursday), were expected to delay the decision to transfer 40 beds from Milford Hospital.
It comes in the light of a sudden reduction in numbers of available nursing home places over the last six months, which has led to a significant increase in the numbers of delayed transfers in both acute and community hospitals.
A number of short-term measures have been introduced to help solve the problem, including plans to use the empty 20-bed ward at Milford for transitional care, for patients considered ready for discharge from NHS care but awaiting social services or private funding of placements.
At a meeting in February this year, WSHA agreed to reconsider the progress on the strategic work programme, which underpins the future of the role of Milford Hospital.
But because the short-term measures put in place have affected the progress of the programme, it has been proposed that the strategic work programme is continued and a further report on its progress given in November this year.
• SW Surrey MP Virginia Bottomley has this week criticised the government for "ducking" her questions on Milford Hospital.
Mrs Bottomley had asked for the Secretary of State for Health to make a statement on the future of the hospital and if he would agree to visit it.
In answer, Parliamentary Secretary of Health Hazel Blears said that West Surrey Health Authority is "currently considering" the responses received during the recent public consultation.
She continued: "It would be inappropriate to make any comment on the future of the hospital before the health authority has made a final decision.
"Ministerial commitments will not allow a visit to Milford Hospital at this time."
Mrs Bottomley replied this week: "I shall continue to speak up for the vast majority of people in the area who are desperately worried about the situation for older people."