'No admissions' at NHS hospital

Altrincham General had been threatened with closure

NHS managers in Trafford have decided to stop admitting in-patients to Altrincham General Hospital.

The hospital was threatened with closure but it was saved after a report by the Greater Manchester Strategic Health Authority (GMSHA).

Doctors said the move came amid concern about patient safety but a hospital spokeswoman admitted cash was a factor.

The two in-patient wards, used mainly for rehabilitation of the elderly, will close but all day clinics will remain.

An individual care plan is being drawn up for all 19 patients currently being treated at the hospital, to ensure their care needs are met.

It is not possible to continue to provide 24-hour clinical cover Chief Executive David Cain

The hospital, on Market Street, Altrincham, will still hold clinics for out patients.

Specialist units include cardiology and dermatology departments.

But senior doctors said it was not possible to maintain medical cover at the site on a 24-hour basis.

Chief Executive of Trafford Healthcare NHS Trust David Cain said: "It is not possible to continue to provide 24-hour clinical cover at the hospital.

"Our nursing staff provide excellent care under difficult conditions, but they should expect to be supported by resident medical staff".

The decision was made at a board meeting on Tuesday.