Guernsey hospital ward to reopen in October

A Guernsey surgical ward closed in an effort to save money is to reopen in October.

The De Saumarez ward at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital was shut in December as the Health and Social Services Department attempted to cut spending.

It ended the year £2.2m over budget despite the closure of two wards and the delay of non-urgent procedures.

Staffing shortages were blamed on the ward, which has 10 beds, not reopening in January as planned.

Minister Mark Dorey said: "[The department] is also considering further reconfiguration of the surgical and medical wards within the hospital in order to make best use of the services.

"Those discussions are ongoing and will be finalised soon. More information will be made available by the department then."