News

Celebraing 70 years of community support - Clatterbridge Hospitals League of Friends

For over 70 years, the Friends of Clatterbridge have supported patients, families, and staff at Clatterbridge Hospital. Established in 1954 as the Clatterbridge Hospitals League of Friends, the charity has funded vital services, from transport for elderly patients to a chapel offering comfort to all. Volunteers remain at the heart of its work, raising funds through community events and a charity lottery. As they continue their efforts, new volunteers are needed to help improve hospital stays and support staff. To get involved, visit their website or attend their Annual General Meeting to learn more.

Read more here

Spotlight on Minehead Community Hosptial theatres - delivering local surgery with a dedicated team 

Minehead Community Hospital’s operating theatres are playing a vital role in delivering local day surgeries, reducing pressure on larger hospitals. The close-knit team, led by theatres manager Tessa Sanford, has expanded services to nearly five days a week, offering procedures under local anaesthetic, including dermatology, hand surgery and urology screening.

Patients appreciate the accessible, welcoming environment, with many preferring treatment close to home. The team is committed to growing services and supporting trainee healthcare professionals. Their work highlights the importance of community hospitals in improving local access to surgery. 

Read more here. 

Mims Davies MP launches survey to save Uckfield Community Hospital's Surgical Unit

Uckfield Hospital, part of the Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, provides essential mental health, learning disability, and neurodevelopmental services for all ages in the South East. The hospital's surgery unit is at risk of closure, which would greatly impact the community. Mims Davies MP has launched an online survey to gather residents' views. She has raised awareness of the issue in the House of Commons and continues to seek clarification for concerned staff and patients. The survey results will be shared with the Integrated Care Board at the next meeting. 

Read more here 

Packed public meeting hears concersn about Ludlow Community Hospital

A packed public meeting in Ludlow saw residents come together to voice their concerns about the future of Ludlow Community Hospital. Organised by Ludlow Town Council, the meeting aimed to address fears that the hospital is being quietly closed down. Despite the absence of local NHS representatives, Shropshire's health bosses issued an open letter assuring their commitment to the hospital's services. The community's passion and unity in fighting to keep their hospital open were evident, with plans to form a campaign group and write to Shropshire Community Health Trust's CEO for clarity on future plans.

Read more here  

New Armley Community Diagnostic Centre offers care closer to home

The new NHS Community Diagnostic Centre at Armley Moor Health Centre offers a range of health services, including ultrasounds, ECGs, blood tests, blood pressure checks, sleep studies, and spirometry testing. Operated by Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, the CDC allows local residents to access these tests without travelling to larger hospitals. Since its opening at the end of September, Armley CDC has conducted over 4,150 tests. Professor Phil Wood and Rhina Pagarigan highlight the benefits of providing care closer to home, reducing waiting times, and easing pressure on larger hospitals. Armley CDC joins two other centres in Leeds.

Read more here 

A £52 million scheme to rebuild four community hospitals in North Staffordshire has hit a 'stalemate'

There is news of a £52 million scheme to rebuild four community hospitals in North Staffordshire that is stalled due to new NHS funding rules. Plans for integrated care hubs at Leek Moorlands (pictured), Bradwell, Haywood Hospital, and a new site in Longton were agreed in 2019 to provide over 40 health and social care services. However, NHS England has not approved the funding, leaving the project in limbo. Adam McKeown from MPFT stated that lobbying efforts are ongoing, but current sites are not fit for purpose. The project awaits NHS financial decisions for 2025/26.

Read more here 

‘To prevent corridor care, we must improve social and community care’

Helené Donnelly highlights patient safety concerns in her recent Royal College of Nursing article. A survey of over 5,000 nurses reveals alarming patient safety issues, with many treated in unsuitable areas like corridors. Over 90% said patient safety is compromised, affecting quality, dignity and privacy. The government plans reforms to address these issues, emphasising investment in community healthcare to reduce hospital admissions and ensure appropriate care settings. Improving social care is essential to alleviate pressure on NHS facilities and safeguard patient wellbeing.

Read the article in THe Nursing Times here. 

South Ayrshire HSCP launch a new pilot offering COPD testing at Girvan Community Hospital

The South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) has launched a spirometry testing pilot at Girvan Community Hospital to aid early diagnosis of respiratory conditions like COPD. This community-focused initiative aims to reduce Emergency Department admissions by diagnosing conditions sooner. The project, funded by the HSCP, will conduct 1000 tests over 18 months. If successful, it will expand across Ayrshire. Dr Philip Hulme and Councillor Hunter highlight the potential benefits for reducing hospital strain and improving community healthcare access.

Read more here 

Update on temporary location of services from Knoll Community Hospital

Services at Knoll Community Hospital (NHS Borders) are temporarily being relocated due to the presence of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC). Eight patients have already been moved, with remaining relocations expected by 14 February 2025. Teams are assessing alternative accommodations, including temporary facilities and non-RAAC areas. Works are set to begin in March. Chief Officer Chris Myers emphasised NHS Borders' commitment to remedial works and thanked staff, patients and the community for their cooperation. Updates and FAQs are available on the NHS Borders website

Read more here. 

CHEC enhances community healthcare with new Loughborough Community Hospital and Milton Keynes milestone. 

CHEC is expanding its reach with a new community hospital in Loughborough set to open in March 2025. This state-of-the-art facility at The Rushes will offer ophthalmology, dermatology, and ENT services, aiming to reduce NHS waiting times and provide more choices for patients.

In the meantime, CHEC Milton Keynes recently celebrated its one-year anniversary. Marie Bradburn, Mayor of Milton Keynes, joined the celebrations, highlighting the benefits of community healthcare, such as better patient choice and shorter waiting times. CHEC Milton Keynes offers ophthalmology and gastroenterology services, with treatment access in under four weeks.

Read more here 

  

Celebrating 10 years of Bridgwater Community Hospital

Bridgwater Community Hospital celebrated its 10th anniversary with the opening of a beautiful new garden on the first floor. Colleagues past and present joined Mayor Jacqui Solomon for the official unveiling. The garden, featuring raised flowerbeds and benches, offers patients and visitors a tranquil space to enjoy throughout the year. The project was the brainchild of former senior matron Norma Coombes and was made possible thanks to generous contributions from the Somerset NHS Charity, Bridgwater Hospital League of Friends, Bradfords, and Wrencon Ltd. A memorial bench honoring the late Carol Agnew, the hospital's hotel services lead, takes pride of place in the garden.

 Read more here.  (3rd Feb 2025) 

 

Cranleigh Heritage Trust secures National Lottery Heritage Fund Grant

We have received some exciting news for Cranleigh! The Cranleigh Heritage Trust has successfully secured a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, along with achieving the necessary matched funding. The Trust is a community led project to repurpose the Old Cranleigh Hospital Cottage.

Active conservation and renovation efforts are planned to commence in early summer, with the project expected to be completed by mid-2026. In the meantime, Trevor Dale, Chair of the Cranleigh Heritage Trust, suggests visiting the successful restoration projects in Rye for inspiration.

Read more here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ewing welcomes return to Highland GPs of vaccination services

Fergus Ewing MSP has welcomed the decision to return vaccination services to Highland GPs, confirmed by Health Minister Jenny Minto. This change follows three years of campaigning to address issues with the centralised system, which saw low vaccination rates and GPs unable to access crucial patient information. Dr Alastair Noblem CHA Lead for Scotland and Dr Adrian Baker, GP at Nairn Healthcare and an CHA member, played a key role in highlighting the need for this change. The move will make vaccination services safer, more affordable and more accessible for people across the Highlands, especially vulnerable groups.

Read more here  21st Jan 2025 

New dementia activity book supports patients and caregivers in community hospitals

A new resource - ‘5-in-1 Dementia Activity Workbook - Volume One’ is now available to help support dementia patients and their caregivers within the community and in in community hospitals. With dementia-friendly layouts and engaging activities like memory prompts, word games, and reminiscence exercises, it fosters cognitive stimulation and meaningful connections. Created by Zoe Francis of My Music Works, this easy-to-use workbook supports busy caregivers by providing low-preparation tools that enrich patient care. Already praised by professionals, it promotes socialisation, comfort, and well-being. A perfect addition to community hospitals, it’s now available to support caregivers and patients alike. Learn more at www.mymusicworks.co.uk.

Read more here. 

 

Sussex hospital's improvements will cost £8 million, councillors told

Improvements at Zachary Merton Hospital in Rustington will require £8 million, as revealed during a West Sussex County Council meeting. The hospital closed temporarily in November 2023 due to water leaks, damaged ceilings, and heating issues. Councillors expressed concerns over the Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust's limited annual capital funding of £5 million. Trust CEO Siobhan Melia stated they are seeking additional funding from NHS England for necessary repairs in 2025/26. Concerns were voiced that the hospital might close permanently, leaving eastern Arun without community hospital beds, impacting residents from Littlehampton to Worthing.

Read more here. 

10th Jan 2025

 

Hospital ward given gold award for “outstanding care” provided to patients

Clitheroe Community Hospital’s Ribblesdale Ward has been awarded the prestigious Gold Safe Personal and Effective Care (SPEC) Award for outstanding care. The dementia-friendly rehabilitation unit promotes a multi-disciplinary approach, integrating occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and medical support. With 16 individual bedrooms and en-suite facilities, the ward offers a welcoming environment with a homely touch, including a dining area, day room, and outdoor patio. Ward Manager Sharon Miller expressed pride in the team’s dedication to providing exceptional patient care.

Read more here. 

 

Health Secretary visits Wigton Community Hospital

Government Minister Wes Streeting visited an innovative health scheme in Cumbria to announce a care funding boost for the county. The initiative, led by Keswick and Solway Primary Care Network with Penrith and Solway MP Markus Campbell-Savours, focuses on integrated health and social care services. By supporting 41,500 patients across various communities, the scheme helps prevent hospital admissions and facilitates quicker discharges. Alongside the £86 million boost to the Disabled Facilities Grant, Mr Streeting emphasised the importance of modernising social care to work more closely with the NHS.

Read the full article here. 

 

Mid Ulster Community Hospital Goes Greener with Solar Panels and Energy Upgrades

Mid Ulster Community Hospital is leading the way in sustainability as part of the Northern Trust’s efforts to create greener, more efficient healthcare. Over 200 solar panels have been installed on the hospital roof, alongside energy-efficient boilers and new double-glazed windows, cutting costs and reducing carbon emissions.

Paddy Graffin, Director of Infrastructure, highlights the importance of these upgrades for building a resilient healthcare system. Similar improvements are happening across the Trust, including a major solar roof project at Causeway Hospital. These changes mark a big step forward for local healthcare and the environment.

Read more here. 

 

Newcastle Star Dan Burn Visits Blyth Community Hospital

Newcastle United defender Dan Burn returned to his hometown to visit Blyth Community Hospital, where he celebrated recent refurbishments to the children’s outpatient department and inpatient ward.

Dan said: “Being involved in the community I was born and grew up in is very important to me. Seeing the improvements at Blyth Community Hospital is great.”

He met patients, families, and staff, praising their dedication: “You could clearly see the staff are really passionate about what they do.” The upgrades include a therapy room and additional consultation spaces, doubling the number of children supported monthly while improving care and comfort for all.

Read more here. 

 

Improving Patient Safety with ReSPECT Plans at Community Hospitals

The ReSPECT initiative in SCFT’s community hospitals is transforming how emergency care is planned, ensuring patients and families are actively involved in decisions. Running from 2022 to 2023, this project focused on creating personalised emergency care plans in a 35-bed ward, replacing basic resuscitation records with detailed, individualised plans.

Thanks to staff training and teamwork, the ward saw a 43% rise in ReSPECT plans, with nurses gaining confidence to lead meaningful conversations with patients and families about their wishes for future care. Weekly reviews and collaborative meetings made it easier to ensure everyone’s preferences were understood and documented.

Community hospitals, like this one, are proving ideal for compassionate, patient-focused emergency planning. The project not only improved care quality but also reduced unnecessary hospital readmissions, helping patients feel supported during their recovery. This success paves the way for wider adoption of ReSPECT in similar settings.

Read the full paper here which was published in the British Journal of Nursing, 2024, Vol 33, No 20 in September 2024. 

 

NHS Forth Valley Pharmacy Team Wins Prestigious Award

The NHS Forth Valley Community Hospital Pharmacy Team has been named Hospital Pharmacy Team of the Year at the 2024 Scottish Healthcare Awards. The team was recognised for improving pharmaceutical care, reducing costs and enhancing collaboration across hospitals.

Led by a "what matters to me" patient-focused approach, the team ensures medications are both beneficial and safe for patients in community hospitals. Associate Director Clare Colligan praised their innovative work, while Director Laura Byrne celebrated their dedication and impact. The achievement highlights the team's exceptional contribution to patient care and the wider healthcare community.

Congratulations to everyone involved! Read more here. 

 
MP praises Ludlow Community Hospital plan in parliament

Stuart Anderson MP has urged Ministers to prioritise healthcare in rural areas like South Shropshire. Speaking in Parliament, Anderson discussed proposals to develop a modern community hospital at Ludlow Eco Park, replacing the ageing Gravel Hill site.

The MP emphasised the project’s potential to improve local healthcare access, align with the NHS vision for community-based care, and deliver better outcomes for residents. Supported by health campaigners, NHS officials, and GPs, the redevelopment is seen as vital for South Shropshire. Anderson has requested a meeting with Ministers to advance the plans, ensuring rural communities benefit from the government's healthcare reforms. Read more here. 

 
Extra beds to ease NHS winter pressures in County Durham and Darlington

There is news from County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust introducing 41 additional community hospital beds to manage NHS pressures this winter. Bishop Auckland Hospital has opened a new ward with 28 beds, while Darlington Memorial Hospital has added 13 surge beds.

Trust chief executive Sue Jacques highlighted these measures as essential for responding to fluctuating demand and easing pressure on emergency services. The trust is also expanding initiatives such as same-day emergency care, urgent community response teams, and "hospital at home" services. Additional winter care hubs aim to improve ambulance handovers, waiting times, and discharges, reducing A&E strain. Read more here. 

 

Chemotherapy now offered at Williton Community Hospital

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust has expanded its chemotherapy services to Williton Community Hospital, providing West Somerset patients with convenient, closer-to-home treatment options. The service which runs every Wednesday, complements existing clinics at Bridgwater and Wellington community hospitals.

Emma Wells-Burr, Beacon Day Unit Manager, said patients now benefit from reduced travel; his is especially important for those experiencing side effects like nausea. Demand has been high, with all four chairs at Williton in regular use and plans to extend services. The initiative improves one-on-one care and alleviates GP workloads through on-site blood testing.

Read more here.

Community Hospitals to benefit from government decarbonisation projects 

A number of community hospitals nationally are set to benefit from £611 million government funding, including Moseley Hall and West Heath Hospitals, Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. The grant awarded to these hospitals is £7.3 million to support their energy efficiency and decarbonisation efforts. 

Over 240 projects focused on heat decarbonisation and energy efficiency have secured funding from a pool of more than 400 applications. The funding will support a range of initiatives, including replacing gas heating systems with air-source heat pumps, installing new heating technologies, fitting solar panels, and improving insulation and secondary glazing. Read more here. 

East Ayrshire Community Hospital invites views at local event

The East Ayrshire Community Hospital is seeking public feedback to help inform its future development. The local authority’s health and social care partnership is inviting individuals to register for an event where they can share their experiences of using the facility. For more information visit here. 

 
 

NHS plans to offer advanced eye scans in Community Hospitals to save 120,000 hospital appointments a Year

NHS England’s new initiative to provide optical coherence tomography (OCT) eye scans for people with diabetes aims to reduce hospital appointments by 120,000 annually. The advanced screening will be available in community hospitals, GP practices, and mobile units, enabling early detection of diabetic retinopathy.

This initiative is expected to ease hospital backlogs, particularly in ophthalmology, and provide timely treatment for thousands of people with diabetes.

Read more here. 

 
 

£2.1m Investment for Robinson Hospital Enhancements

The Robinson Hospital in Ballymoney is set to receive a £2.1m refurbishment funded by the Robinson Trust. The project includes a new extension with a multi-disciplinary room, staff base, and plant room. Ensuite bedrooms will increase from two to seven, enhancing privacy and dignity for patients.

Diane Spence, Director of Community Care, said: “This extension project will undoubtedly improve patient experience... and secure the future of the hospital.”

The dementia-friendly design will also feature dedicated rehabilitation spaces. David Robinson, chairperson of the Robinson Memorial Hospital Trust, added: “This project will greatly benefit the community.”

Read more here. 

Enhanced end-of-life care aim for Devon project

University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust and Marie Curie have formed a partnership to enhance end-of-life care options for patients. The collaboration introduces dedicated beds at Mount Gould Hospital, providing a more peaceful environment compared to busy hospital wards. Marie Curie is supporting the initiative by providing healthcare assistants in Derriford's A&E department and specialised nurses to help transfer patients to their preferred care location.

The partnership aims to offer patients more dignity and space in their final days, with access to quiet rooms and enhanced support. A recent patient's family highlighted the significant improvement in care quality, noting the calmer environment at Mount Gould compared to Derriford Hospital. Read more here. 

 

 


 

Past News 

News stories that have been posted on the CHA website are available to download in a pdf document

News CHA 2024

News CHA 2023

News CHA 2022

News CHA 2021

News Items up to Sept 2020

News items 2019 

News Items Sept 2018 

News Items Sept 2017

News Items March 2017 

News Items Jan 17

News Items Sept 2016  

 

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