Hospital bed-closures considered

The PCT says a review will result in improved services

Hundreds of beds in Devon's community hospitals could be temporarily closed in a cost-cutting move.

One hundred beds have already been closed by Devon Primary Care Trust (PCT) and now another 100 are set to close to head off debts of £15m.

Other cost-cutting measures include a freeze on staff vacancies and overnight closure of all minor injuries units.

The PCT, which says it has already made savings of £1.3m, says there will no loss of service.

'Clear direction'

A decision on the closures, which will affect about 40% of community hospital beds, will be made early next year following a review.

Chief executive Kevin Snee said the aim of the review would be to "protect and develop" health facilities.

"The review will establish a clear future direction for the improvement of healthcare in Devon," he said.

"It will cover all services. So far as I am concerned we begin with a clean sheet."