Threatened hospital not to close

The future of Hinchingbrooke Hospital is now secure says the PCT

The future of a cash-strapped hospital which local people feared might be closed, has been secured, Cambs Primary Care Trust (PCT) has announced.

It had been reported that Hinchingbrooke Hospital was facing a possible £29.9m deficit for 2006/07.

People were asked for their views on the future of services at the hospital and whether it should be closed.

But the PCT decided the hospital should remain open but with many services provided from within the community.

The PCT also secured the future of the maternity, and the A&E departments which campaign group Save Hinchingbrooke Hospital feared would have been transferred to other nearby hospitals.

The PCT aims to save money by offering 20% fewer procedures at the hospital with 25% fewer staff.

Chris Banks, chief executive of the Cambs PCT, told the BBC: "There will be less jobs in the hospital but that can be phased in over two years.

"We will work with staff so we can reduce staff numbers without losing jobs."