Withdrawal of nursing services by Hampshire Community Health Care
It is with great sadness the Trustees must announce that Odiham Cottage
Hospital will close its doors on 31st July this year, although we earnestly hope
this closure will be temporary.
This comes despite enormous efforts by many people who have actively fought this
decision by NHS Hampshire. The views and wishes of our community have been
ignored.
The community’s support, demonstrated at the public meeting on 3rd March and in
response to the healthcare survey, enabled the Trustees to make a significant
offer of financial assistance of an additional £200,000 per annum for a period
of up to 2 years to maintain current services at the hospital during a period of
significant transition within the NHS.
NHS Hampshire refused that offer.
There is, however, one remaining glimmer of hope and that lies with the newly
formed local GP Commissioning Consortium, Calleva. They are currently reviewing
the need for local beds and that work may provide a role for our hospital in the
future. We expect an indication of their conclusions in the autumn.
However without their support the Trustees have had to recognise that it will be
difficult to provide inpatient medical facilities from this site.
Whatever the outcome, we will, of course, continue to work to seek a solution
whereby the hospital and the charity can support the needs of our community.
Ginny East,
Secretary to the Trustees.
27.5.11