Union 'concerned' about possible hospital closures

The Royal College of Nursing has called for a "meaningful consultation" about the future of Goole Hospital

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) said it is "concerned" about potential closures at Goole and District Hospital and claims it only found out about the proposal via media reports.

Several hospital staff members told the BBC they had been called to a meeting on Friday and were told a number of wards would be closing in the new year.

RCN regional director Sarah Dodsworth has called for a "meaningful consultation process" on any potential options for the hospital.

A Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust (NLaG) statement said no decision had been made and it is exploring "possible options" for the future of the hospital.

Ms Dodsworth has urged NLaG to start a "formal consultation" and "set out their plans in full".

She added: "The people of Goole and neighbouring communities rely heavily on services provided by their local hospital.

"This will be a very worrying and anxious time for patients and staff."

BBC Look North has been told the trust was planning to close at least four inpatient departments, but outpatient care and the urgent treatment centre would remain open.

Sir David Davis, the Goole and Pocklington MP, said he was not aware of the trust's plans before members of the public contacted him.

He is set to attend an "urgent meeting" alongside East Riding of Yorkshire Council leader Anne Handley and NHS officials to "get to the bottom" of any plans.

Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.