Calls to reopen empty wards at Hartlepool hospital to help in coronavirus fight

Hartlepool MP Mike Hill is urging health chiefs to convert dormant wards at the University Hospital of Hartlepool into intensive care units.

He says there are at least two wards ‘ripe’ for redevelopment as well as an operating theatre which recently underwent a £300,000 upgrade.

North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Hartlepool and North Tees hospitals, said many wards will be adapted during the coronavirus emergency, but have not said specifics about sites.

Mr Hill said: “Hartlepool hospital has the capacity and ward availability to help tackle the coronavirus pandemic.

“We just need Government-led resources and finance to make it happen and get the right equipment and staffing ratios in there.”

This weekend, campaign group Fighting 4 Hartlepool Hospital contacted Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen to raise concerns about reports of patients being discharged from the hospital and staff being reassigned to the University Hospital of North Tees site in Stockton.

It was after Mr Houchen suggested using an empty supermarket at Middlehaven in Middlesbrough as a temporary hospital.

But Mayor Houchen says Hartlepool hospital will play a key part in the local coronavirus fight.

And the Trust said patients who can be sent home have been, but stress Hartlepool hospital is not closed.

A spokesperson said: “As would be expected, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Hospital Foundation Trust is reconfiguring all clinical services to meet the expected surge in COVID-19 cases and ensure the best possible outcome for our patients.

“Where safe to do so, patients have been discharged to their homes while we continue to care for patients who still require daily hospital treatment.

“Many wards will be adapted from their usual purpose to provide different services.

“Such changes will inevitably require some clinical and non-clinical staff taking on additional duties or changing their usual working location.

“We would like to make it clear University Hospital of Hartlepool will not be closed.”

The spokesperson added the best way for people to support the NHS was to follow official advice to stay at home, to practise physical distancing when outside and wash their hands often and thoroughly.

Mayor Ben Houchen added: “At this time of national emergency our NHS is facing an unprecedented challenge because of the coronavirus outbreak.

“So far Hartlepool has recorded very few cases, but it is right that all our hospitals, including Hartlepool Hospital, reconfigure services to better face the challenge that lies ahead.

“Throughout the coronavirus outbreak I have been in near regular contact with Hartlepool Council, the NHS Trust and the Local Resilience Forum who are coordinating the response across Cleveland and Hartlepool Hospital will play a hugely important part in our region’s response to this deadly virus.

“Hartlepool Hospital is not closed and will not close, its hard working and dedicated staff will continue to provide amazing care for the people of Hartlepool throughout these testing times and beyond.”

Related: What services are provided at Hartlepool hospital?

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