Trial by NHS trust reduces inpatient dementia beds

An NHS trust is investigating whether it should permanently reduce the number of bedspaces it provides to dementia patients, ahead of a planned long-term review of its services.

Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust previously provided 34 inpatient beds to dementia and Alzheimer's disease patients across Sunderland and Northumberland.

It is now trialling whether 21 beds are enough for the two areas, which it said reflected current demand. A spokesperson said bedspaces would be increased up to 34 again during the trial, if required.

The move is ahead of a long-term review of services for the patients, which may involve closing its Northumberland ward fully.

The trust said some older people with conditions such as Alzheimer's disease or dementia might need inpatient care when it would be difficult to safely manage their needs at home or in the community.

"The aim of admitting someone to an inpatient ward is usually to provide intensive assessment and treatment," a spokesperson said.

"How long somebody stays on a ward can vary a lot."

The trust is now seeking the views of the public to determine the long-term future of its Sunderland services at Monkwearmouth Hospital and its Northumberland ward at St George's Park.

Based on these views, the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board will decide whether a full consultation is required before any changes are made by the trust.

Some of the options proposed include making the 21-bed trial permanent as well as closing the Northumberland ward and moving those bedspaces elsewhere.

The trust acknowledged the closure of the ward would mean local people might have to travel further for treatment and cause potential knock-on effects for follow-on care.

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