Chatsworth Ward stays open

The decision was made by Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust who operate the ward and NHS Mansfield and Ashfield Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) to keep the neuro-rehabilitation ward open.

The ward which was set to close in November will now carry on helping people who have suffered injuries to their nervous system to recover.

The trust and CCG have said they keen to now add a community outreach team to the ward.

In September hundreds of people marched to save the ward on Stockwell Gate.

A spokesperson for NHS Mansfield and Ashfield Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said:

“Following feedback from local people, staff, patients and carers, the commissioners have made the decision to keep an inpatient service for neuro-rehabilitation patients at the Chatsworth Unit based at Mansfield Community Hospital. We would like to thank all those who have taken the time to share their views.

“In addition we will be designing a new community outreach service that will enable some patients to receive neuro-rehabilitation and care at home or local community settings. These additional services in the community will mean that, where appropriate and safe, patients will have the ability to receive high quality neuro-rehabilitation services in their own home.

“We are pleased that this proposal for an integrated hospital and community service has received general support from staff and the Health Scrutiny Committee. The CCG and the Trust will continue to work proactively with patients and staff at the Chatsworth Unit to design this new service, ensuring we provide effective neuro-rehabilitation for people at the right time in the right place. A business case for this new service will be developed over the coming weeks with the new arrangements expected to be in place in the near future. A public engagement session will take place in April.”