OXFORD Health plans to temporarily close a 30-bed ward in its biggest community hospital in face of a "difficult financial environment."

The trust, which operates eight community hospitals across the county, said it was consulting with staff over plans to shut down Wenrisc ward at Witney Community Hospital.

It said the seven-month closure, between September 1 and March 31 2016, would allow it to re-open 24 beds at other hospitals and save around £600,000.

A statement released by the trust today said: "We are currently consulting with staff over plans to temporarily close Wenrisc ward at Witney Community Hospital in order to re-open beds at several of our other community hospitals and ensure safer staffing levels across the community hospital system.

"No job losses will occur as a result of these plans.During the period of closure the ward will undergo refurbishment to improve the rehabilitation environment for patients when the ward re-opens."

It said the move would reduce the use of agency staff and would help find beds for patients closer to where they live.

The trust also said it would allow staff to share best practice. Staff from Witney would be redeployed to other areas, including Abingdon and City Community Hospitals.

It said the closure would also allow for refurbishment work at the ward, but did not specify what that would entail.

The trust added: "During this period we will continue to work with health and social care partners to develop the sustainable model of care for ambulatory and bed-based care for older people in Oxfordshire as patient need changes. This will include public engagement/ consultation for any substantive and major change proposals developed, in accordance with the Health and Social Care Act requirements.

"We are currently consulting with all affected staff at Witney Community Hospital about the proposed changes and will be in a position to announce our finalised plans following that period."