Tears as Whitchurch Community Hospital ward is closed

There were tears in Whitchurch as the last dedicated hospital ward for the elderly mentally ill in Shropshire closed despite a hard-fought campaign to save it.

The Beech Ward at Whitchurch Community Hospital shut for the last time yesterday despite residents collecting a 5,000-name petition opposing the plans.

Campaigners said the last patient was joined by her family as she moved out to a residential home, amid emotional scenes.

Health bosses insist the closure will see funds diverted to boost community services tailored to the needs of the elderly mentally ill.

But Margaret Hiles, chairwoman of the hospital's League of Friends, said seeing the ward close was still a big shock.

She said: "The last patient was in there for two weeks on her own at the end and she was crying when she left. The staff and my members were all very sad because the ward has done such a wonderful job for more than 30 years."

Yesterday Jo Chambers, chief executive of Shropshire Community Health Trust, told a meeting of a Shropshire Council watchdog that people could benefit from new services despite the wards closure.

She said she would approach commissioners at the Shropshire County PCT with its ideas to replace the ward in September.