South Leicestershire MP Alberto Costa has secured a commitment from the Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust to reopen in-patient services at the Feildling Palmer Hospital in Lutterworth as a new Covid-19 ‘Red Ward’ for local people who have tested positive for the Coronavirus.
Following the temporary closure of the hospital’s in-patient facility a few weeks ago, Alberto has met with the Trust’s Chief Executive and raised the matter with the Health Secretary, the Rt. Hon Matt Hancock MP, to seek assurances over the hospital’s future use.
The Trust had confirmed that it was due to reopen the in-patient facilities when safe to do so, however they have since informed Alberto of their intentions to re-open the beds as early as next month as a newly dedicated ward for patients requiring care for the Coronavirus.
The Trust have also confirmed that alterations will be made to the existing in-patient ward to accommodate new Coronavirus patients following a site visit by NHS bosses later this week.
Alberto said, “I very much welcome the Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust’s new commitment to the reopening of the in-patient ward at Feilding Palmer in Lutterworth. Following the very understandable concerns of my constituents who are worried about the hospital’s future, I took this matter up directly with both the CEO of the NHS Trust and the Health Secretary, and I am now very pleased that the recently closed in-patient facility will have a new lease of life as a vitally important ward for the care of those with the Coronavirus”.
Alberto added, “It’s important to note that the hospital’s new status as a ‘Red Ward’ for patients requiring care due to the Coronavirus is only a temporary one, and that the NHS Trust have committed to reopening the previous in-patient services as soon as possible. Feilding Palmer Hospital is a deeply valued and treasured service for the people of South Leicestershire, and I am delighted that this local hospital will be part of the nation’s efforts in continuing to fight the Coronavirus pandemic and provide urgent care to those who require it”.
Alberto is pictured above standing outside the Fielding Palmer Hospital in Lutterworth.
