Is hospital set to close?

Patient numbers at the hospital have dropped off in the past few weeks and sources at the hospital claim that no more will be admitted.

Bedfordshire PCT and care provider the South Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (SEPT) insist that the hospital remains open and that beds are available.

They also maintain that no decision has been taken about the hospital’s future and no action would be taken without a full review and consultation.

But rumours persist among employees and relatives of would-be patients that beds are being blocked and that the hospital will effectively be closed from today.

One worker who asked not be identified said: “Odds are that if you ask SEPT or Bedfordshire PCT they will say that the hospital has not been closed – that it has just run out of patients.

“The most likely outcome is that once all of the legal steps to actually close it have been taken, it will cease to exist completely – at least as a hospital.”

Another regular visitor who asked not to be named said: “Although they have had nothing official in writing the staff know they will not be here much longer.

“Employees have gradually been moved to Bedford Hospital and there have been fewer and fewer patients admitted.

“It’s very clear what is happening and it’s terribly sad.”

Campaigner Ken Lynch also handed over an anti-closure petition containing more than 5,000 signatures to Central Beds Council vice-chairman Councillor Caroline Maudlin on Wednesday.

In a joint statement Bedfordshire PCT and SEPT said: “Biggleswade Hospital is completely open and is currently caring for two patients.

“The remaining empty beds are available now and, if needed, can be immediately utilised.

“People are still receiving rehabilitation care provided through our rapid intervention, rehabilitation and enablement services, which mean that patients can be cared for in their own homes.”