VOLUNTEERS say that they are ready and waiting to help fund new services at Ludlow Hospital but a question mark has been raised over whether beds removed during a refurbishment will be reinstated.

The Hospital League of Friends says that they stand ready to resist any attempt to reduce the services that are provided at Ludlow Community Hospital.

Sixteen beds have been taken out during the refurbishment of two wards but hospital chiefs will not confirm if they will be reinstated.

The Community NHS Trust responsible for Ludlow Hospital will only say that there has been no shortage of beds since the change and that the situation will be monitored.

This has only reinforced concerns expressed by the Ludlow based ‘Save our NHS' group and Tracey Huffer, a nurse and representative for Ludlow on Shropshire Council, who fear for the future of Ludlow Hospital.

When the planned £27 million new Ludlow Hospital and Health Village fell through last year following Government changes to the NHS it was decided to keep the existing hospital operating.

However, the concern is that if beds and services like the minor injuries unit are removed then the hospital will no longer be viable.

“Our priority is providing high quality care in our community hospitals to ensure people are receiving the right support and care as close to home as possible,” said Steve Gregor, director of nursing and operations at the Community NHS Trust.

“We had to reduce the number of beds in May to accommodate the on-going refurbishment work, which has involved spending about £300,000 on improving the ward environment for patients, visitors and staff.

"This has not reduced the level of activity or type of patients we have been seeing at the hospital.

“In fact, we are always looking for ways to introduce more services there - such as renal and ultrasound - so that people can avoid longer trips to Shrewsbury and Telford for their healthcare needs.

“We monitor our beds on a daily basis to ensure we are meeting demand and have the right type of services in the right place, as well as making the best use of the ward space available.”

The Friends of Ludlow Hospital say they are constrained by a review into future health provision but stand by ready to help if they can with the funding of an ultrasound scanner.

They are also prepared to fund improvements to the maternity unit including the installation of a birthing pool.

Peter Corfield, chairman of the League of Friends, says that there is concern about the level of services available at Ludlow compared with those at other community hospitals.

“We have drawn attention to the paucity of facilities and clinics at Ludlow Hospital, compared with those at Bridgnorth, Whitchurch and Tenbury community hospitals and the strength of feeling within our membership that would result in a spirited defence should any of the Ludlow facilities come under threat,” said Mr Corfield.