‘Staff challenges’ force closure of Fordingbridge Hospital’s inpatient Ford Ward

STAFF shortages forced a five-day closure of Fordingbridge Hospital’s inpatient ward.

Four patients had to be transferred to nearby community hospitals as the Ford Ward at the Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust-run institution temporarily shut its doors on Friday morning.

The 15-bed unit reopened today (Wednesday).

Rachel Anderson, the trust’s clinical director for south west Hampshire, said: “Due to staffing challenges, we had to temporarily close Ford Ward at Fordingbridge Hospital.

“All four patients at Ford Ward were being cared for in nearby local community hospitals.

“We apologise to anyone affected by this temporary closure. Patient safety is always our priority, and it is imperative that we have the right number of staff in place to keep the people we care for safe.”

Ford Ward consists of three bays and three side rooms, with a large day room, dining room and therapy room for rehabilitation.

Staffed by physicians, nurses, social workers and therapists, it takes on patients from Poole, Bournemouth, Salisbury, Winchester and Southampton hospitals.