Rheumatoid arthritis patients at Oswestry’s orthopaedic hospital said today they remained fearful that a ward shake-up would lead to a poorer level of care.

Hospital bosses insist halving the number of beds on Ercall Ward from 24 to 12 will actually lead to an improved service for patients because it will allow a dedicated outpatient facility to be established alongside inpatient beds.

The hospital’s trust board approved the reduction in beds at their meeting on Thursday. The move will bring a saving of £240,000.

But Ercall Ward patients said today they had major concerns about the decision.

Helen Saxon-Jones, formerly of Newtown in Powys, but now living in Lincolnshire, said she still received treatment at the hospital for her rheumatology arthritis.

She said: “We are concerned that post-operative care will not be given on the new Ercall Ward but provided elsewhere in the hospital.”

Dianne Yapp, from Churchstoke, said: “I still have reservations about this despite what the hospital says.”

Patient Mrs Ruth Morgan, from Llangadfan, in Powys, said: “I understand they have got to make cuts but I am still concerned about this.”

But Vicky Morris, director of nursing and governance at the hospital, said the needs of patients came first and the new ward set-up was in line with current government policy and would be of great benefit to patients.

She added: “We will continue to consult with our patient representatives through the process of setting up the innovative outpatient care centre.”

See also: Emma’s Blog – Hospital unit a second home for many