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Grief Over Bridlington Unit's Impending Closure
22 Apr
Summary
- A widow criticizes hospital ward closure after her partner's end-of-life care.
- The unit provided vital local proximity for family visits during final weeks.
- Concerns rise over staff redundancies and patient transfers to distant hospitals.
Plans to close the Bridlington Care Unit have drawn sharp criticism from a woman who spent significant time with her partner there during his final weeks. Beryl Powell expressed deep sadness over the consultation to move services to Scarborough, emphasizing that the unit's local presence allowed her to be with Roy Wood during his last days before he passed away aged 92 in February 2023.
The Bridlington Care Unit was initially established in 2021 as a temporary measure during the Covid-19 pandemic to increase hospital capacity. The Integrated Care Board (ICB) states its closure aims to facilitate quicker patient discharge to home or care homes.
However, for Beryl, the unit represented a lifeline, enabling her to provide care and spend quality time with Roy, who had previously played football for Leeds United in the 1950s. Friends also benefited from the local facility, avoiding long journeys. Unite the union reports that approximately 50 staff members face potential redundancy or relocation, with patients likely to be transferred to Scarborough.
Despite a petition gathering over 1,200 signatures and local MP Charlie Dewhirst's campaign against the closure, the ICB maintains its focus on ensuring patients receive timely support for discharge. They are also working on enhancing services at Bridlington Hospital, particularly in planned surgeries, and assure staff of alternative positions.
