A union has told an NHS trust to “halt plans immediately” to change wards at Darlington Memorial Hospital, after staff raised concerns about their future roles in the build-up to Christmas.
County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust has proposed moving Ward 7, its frailty unit, from Bishop Auckland to Darlington Memorial Hospital, closing a surgical ward there.
No staff would lose their jobs at either hospital under the plans. But workers have told The Northern Echo they are worried about their future roles before Christmas.
Darlington Memorial Hospital (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
The trust says the ward changes are needed to make all its hospitals “winter-ready” and improve care for frail patients.
It also said it would discuss future roles with staff.
But a trade union has demanded answers about the plans’ impact on staff, patients and services.
Unison Northern regional manager Hollie Pinder said: “Hospital bosses must halt these plans immediately.
The sign at Darlington Memorial Hospital (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
“Any changes must prioritise patient safety, service quality, and stability for staff. The trust hasn’t made the case for the reorganisation and key questions remain unanswered.
“Staff are deeply concerned about the plans and the failure to properly consult them is already damaging morale. The trust needs to come clean about how its plans will impact patients, staff and local communities.”
“Unison remains in active discussions with the trust regarding our concerns.”
Darlington Memorial Hospital staff have also raised concerns about their future roles.
An anonymous worker told The Northern Echo the changes would add four beds overall but cut 32 surgical beds.
Bishop Auckland Hospital (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
“I’m based in Darlington now, but there’s no certainty about where I’ll be just before Christmas; I could be in Bishop Auckland or Durham,” the worker said.
“We want the Trust to give us assurances about our future; we have mortgages and families to support.”
It was reported earlier this month that campaigners, unions and councillors have condemned plans to close a ward in Bishop Auckland Hospital, branding the proposal “another nail in the coffin” for the site.
The proposals are still under internal consultation, but residents, councillors and unions have criticised the move and demanded wider talks before a final decision.
Dr Eliot Skyes, Chief Medical Officer at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (Image: NHS)
The changes are expected to begin in the first weeks of December, with the trust saying they form part of its winter plan.
Dr Eliot Skyes, chief medical officer at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, said: “As we get ready for winter, we want to improve how we care for frail, older people.
“We aim to keep people safe, healthy, and well at home. When they do come to hospital in an emergency, it is vital that the right medical experts see them quickly and as soon as they arrive. We want this to be consistent seven days a week for everyone who needs our help.
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“To do this, it will mean some changes to how our wards and teams are organised. We are talking to staff about these plans and listening carefully to their views.
“I want to reassure colleagues that we will take time to pause and reflect on what we have heard so far. We want staff to understand why these changes are so important as we prepare for winter. We are working closely with our trade union partners as we do this.”
The trust insists there will be no planned job losses, but some staff may move to different roles, wards or workplaces.