Campaigner Jean Waters thought she could rest easy when Hornsea Cottage Hospital was given the green light to stay open earlier this year.
But now, the 59-year-old Hornsea patient has again found herself standing outside the hospital, fighting for the retention of vital services.
Mrs Waters, of Pickering Avenue, Hornsea, has been treated overnight at the hospital twice for breathing difficulties.
She said she was shocked by news its 12 inpatient beds were to be scrapped.
"We are not going to stand for this," said Mrs Waters. "We have been fighting to save this hospital for two years and are not going to stop now."
Her criticism was echoed by hundreds of patients and hospital supporters
Joan Edwards, 72, from Aldbrough, understands the value of the service better than most, having been an inpatient on the ward for the past two weeks.
Mrs Edwards said closing the beds would have a devastating impact on patients and their families.
"It is putting money before patients. It's absolutely disgusting," said Mrs Edwards, who was due to be discharged yesterday after treatment for heart, lung and kidney complaints.
"We badly need this unit. I will need future inpatient treatment and I am very upset about the prospect of my disabled husband having to travel miles to visit me."
Herbert Taylor, 89, of Bayview Avenue, Hornsea, who was treated for a fortnight at the inpatient ward several years ago, said the unit was vital to the community.
"This hospital means everything to local people," said Mr Taylor. "Going to the hospital in Hull is a full day's journey and impossible for a lot of older people and their relatives."
June Barton, from Hornsea Cottage Hospital's League of Friends, said the group was devastated by the announcement.
She said campaigns, petitions and protests to raise the profile of the issue were being planned.
"I feel completed shell-shocked," she said. "Not only will we be losing beds, but they are trying to close them over the winter months, when demand is highest.
"But there is no way we are going to stand for this. This is an essential part of healthcare in Hornsea and needs to be saved."
Barbara Jefferson, East Riding Councillor for Hornsea, said she feared the closure could pave the way for other cutbacks.
"I think it's devastating," said Cllr Jefferson. "People couldn't believe what they were hearing. We never thought this could happen to this hospital, which is so needed by the community and visitors.
"I'm really frightened that what I'm going to see shortly is a large sign outside saying 'For Sale'."
| WE WILL FIGHT TO THE END FOR HORNSEA COTTAGE HOSPITAL |
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10 September 2006 |
Campaigners have today vowed to fight health cuts to the bitter end.
The decision to axe overnight care for patients at Hornsea Cottage Hospital has provoked fury among residents.
Staff and patients at the hospital have been told the inpatient ward, which has 12 beds, will be closed from October 1.
The ward deals with people in need of continued medical care, recovering from surgery or suffering from terminal illnesses.
Yorkshire Wolds and Coast Primary Care Trust (PCT) could now face a legal challenge to its decision.
Graham Stuart, MP for Beverley and Holderness, has revealed he is sending a letter to the High Court in London calling for an injunction to stop the trust closing the ward.
He said he wants the legality of its decision looked at by the court.
"I want to stop this today, in its tracks. If it did close, it would be hard to force them to reopen again," said Mr Stuart.
The Hull Daily Mail launched its Hands Off Our Hospitals Campaign when a review of the East Riding's four community hospitals was launched by the PCT in December 2004.
Hornsea was stripped of 10 of its 22 beds and saw hours reduced at its Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) in January 2006 this year.
When the move was announced a number of residents voiced concerns it would lead to further cutbacks.......cut-backs
Councillor Polly Worsdale, who represents Hornsea on East Riding Council,
said: "Obviously they are in dire financial straits and they have to do something. I think this is the easiest option."
Public services trade union Unison has called for a meeting with hospital managers.
John Flemming, regional officer, said: "We are totally opposed to this. We have never had any consultation with the trust with reference to the closure. The staff are totally devastated.
"We will talk to the members and we might have to take some form of industrial action. I wouldn't rule anything out yet."
The PCT also runs Withernsea Hospital, Driffield's Alfred Bean Hospital and the Macmillan Wolds Unit in Bridlington.
The latest blow comes just days after news the Minor Injuries Unit at Bridlington will be shut overnight....9pm tp 9am next day which as angered the residents of Bridlington
Withernsea's mayor, Stuart Woodruff, said: "Withernsea might just have the edge on Hornsea in respect to staying open, but I can't guarantee that - neither can the trust."
The PCT claims the closure is needed to protect patients at a time when staffing levels are too low.
The situation is set to be reviewed in March .
Today a spokeswoman for the Department of Health defended the decision.
She said: "Our policy is very much bringing services into the community, but some of the services provided in community hospitals can be done in the home.
"If the trust has looked at the situation and come to that decision after going through all the right processes then we would obviously support its decision."
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