East Oxford MP Andrew Smith has backed campaigners fighting for a new community hospital in Oxford.
The Oxford Community Hospital (OxComm), at the Churchill Hospital site in Headington, closed in May after a series of outbreaks of the superbug clostridium difficile.
The 24-bed hospital was declared unfit for purpose and Oxfordshire Primary Care Trust began looking for replacement premises.
However, last week it emerged that the search had been called off.
Like Mr Smith, pensioners groups, nurses and members of the public sector union Unison, all expressed concern.
Mr Smith said patients in Oxford did not want to travel to community hospitals outside the city and that elderly people, in particular, would suffer if OxComm was not re- placed.
He added: “It’s absolutely vital we have a community hospital here in Oxford, which is convenient both for patients and for their families.
“I have already pressed and will continue to press the PCT to get that provision in place just as soon as possible. It’s what the public wants.
“The PCT must apply itself to replacing the hospital. Full stop.”
The Oxfordshire Joint Health and Overview Committee also raised fears about the PCT’s decision to suspend the search for new premises in the city at a County Hall meeting last week. Although the PCT told committee members its interim plans had proved successful.
PCT chief executive Andrea Young said the trust was reviewing all types of care required for people discharged from specialist hospitals.
She added: “Unfortunately, despite extensive efforts by the PCT to find an alternative community hospital location in Oxford, it has not been possible.
She said 10 beds hadbeen commissioned from the Albany Care Home in Headington and other beds in community hospitals around Oxfordshire had been opened.
She added: “The PCT is undertaking an analysis to find out how many rehabilitation beds are required, and where in Oxfordshire it would be best to have them.”
The PCT is due to present its proposals in March, 2009.
tshepherd@oxfordmail.co.uk
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