New calls to reopen Holt ward

Health campaigners at Holt have renewed their calls for the reopening of an axed ward at their local unit to ease pressure on the Norfolk and Norfolk University Hospital.

Health campaigners at Holt have renewed their calls for the reopening of an axed ward at their local unit to ease pressure on the Norfolk and Norfolk University Hospital.

The Kelling Hospital Appeal, which supports the community complex in north Norfolk, unsuccessfully battled to save its 14-bed Lascelles specialist neurological ward which was shut in October 2007, after health chiefs said it needed major investment to meet modern standards.

They even tried to launch a High Court challenge over the legality of the closure, but a judge refused to hold a judicial review.

But appeal chairman John Shrive is writing to the Quality Care Commission recommending Lascelles is reopened to help the N&N.

He says the move would reduce pressures by providing additional beds for people recovering from operations but with nowhere to go, and blocking beds at the main hospital.

It could also be used as a screening centre to deal with cases not requiring hospital treatment or to keep them under observation - rather than being taken by ambulance to the N&N.

Appeal spokesman Charles Simeons said the N&N problems - and lack of community beds - had led to the cancellation of 1200 operations as well as bed blocking. The appeal would also donate �20,000 towards providing a larger kitchen if plans were agreed.