Now children face Conquest cost-cut

The Kipling ward, which caters for sick youngsters, will be cut down by a third in a week's time.

Hospital bosses are closing five of its 15 beds to save 200,000.

Campaigners are furious and medical staff fear they will be made redundant.

One senior nurse told the Observer: "We are deeply shocked and upset, particularly as this is all happening so close to Christmas."

Margaret Williams, secretary of the Friends of the Conquest, said the atmosphere in the ward has been one of 'utter despair' since the move was announced on Friday.

She said: "There are to be only two qualified nurses on site at any one time.

"Many dependent children use the Kipling ward and staff have gained an insight into both the patients and their families.

"Winter is the busiest time for this ward. Where is the sense in this decision at this time of year?"

Another source, who has many friends working at the Conquest, said the hospital's chief executive Kim Hodgson was 'afraid to show her face' at the annual staff pantomime last week.

It is the first time a chief executive has not been to see the show.

Bexhill and Battle MP Greg Barker said: "This is another tangible sign of cuts in our local hospital services brought about by the financial crisis in the NHS.

"After all the money that has been paid into the NHS through higher taxation over the last eight years it is outrageous that our area is starved of cash.

"As a result, cuts like this are being made."

East Sussex Hospitals Trust, which runs the Conquest, is currently 5million in debt. Spokesman Simon Purkiss said the reduction in beds is a temporary move which will last until the end of March at the earliest.

He added: "Some of the staff affected will be temporarily redeployed. None will lose their jobs as they are also trained to work in general nursing."

Dr Lorna Bray, clinical director for children's services at the Conquest, said fewer children are now being admitted to hospital.

She said: "More and more health care for children is being delivered away from hospital in the community.

"This means we do not need as many beds, and children can spend more time at home in their familiar surroundings rather than be in hospital."

Five beds at Eastbourne District General Hospital children's ward are also being closed as part of the move.

The cuts will take place on December 18, subject to approval by clinical managers who are meeting today to discuss the matter.