Devon hospital opts against bed closure proposal

Chief Nurse Nicola McMinn said the hospital would continue to look at other ways it could provide "high levels of compassionate and safe care"

A Devon hospital has said it will not be closing several inpatient beds in order to reassign staff during the winter.

Management at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust had proposed closing 16 beds, with staff sent to other hospitals and community services.

But chief nurse Nicola McMinn said: "We have been exploring a number of ways to ensure we have safe and robust services in place this winter.

"Following early discussions with ward staff at Totnes and our partners we have decided not to progress this proposal."

She added the hospital would continue to look at other ways it could provide "high levels of compassionate and safe care".

Ms McMinn also said: "People should continue to use the hospital for any planned appointments and the minor injuries unit if they need treatment for broken bones and sprains, cuts, grazes, burns and scalds."