Nurse shortage closes ward beds

A severe shortage of staff at a Suffolk hospital has led to the suspension of some admissions and the future closure of 10 beds.

Newmarket Hospital will close 10 of its 16 rehabilitation and palliative care beds in two weeks time and suspend admission to the beds immediately.

The ward will operate in a reduced state until staffing levels improve.

Chief executive Mike Stonnard said it was a temporary and reversible measure and has nothing to do with budgets.

Chief executive Mike Stonnard said: "The PCT's (Primary Care Trust) priority in taking this action today is to ensure clinical standards are maintained and that all patients who require in-patient hospital services during this period will be catered for appropriately.

"The action has been made necessary by a lack of available nursing staff to cover shifts, despite the best efforts of the trust and the hospital matron."