Ward to shut over budget squeeze

A ward at a Derby hospital will be closed as managers attempt to save tens of millions of pounds.

The hospital has confirmed that Ward 20 at the Derbyshire Royal Infirmary is to close in February.

Managers have insisted no staff will lose their jobs and the move will save the trust £950,000 a year.

Derbyshire Hospitals NHS Trust said it November that it was looking to save £55m over the next three years. It is moving to a new site in 2009.

The trust has pledged that changes will not harm patient care.

Patient groups have said they will study the proposal before giving their reaction.