Talks on Whitchurch Hospital ward are positive

Health chiefs were today remaining tight-lipped over the future of a closed ward at Whitchurch Hospital.

But campaigners said positives steps were being made to secure the ward for the people of the town.

The 16-bed Beech Ward was controversially closed in July as part of an overhaul of mental health provision in the county. The ward accounted for two thirds of the beds at the community hospital.

Yesterday The Friends of Whitchurch Hospital met with Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust in a bid to find a future use for the ward.

Margaret Hiles, chairwoman of the friends, said today it had been a constructive meeting. However, she would not reveal what ideas or suggestions regarding future uses of the ward were discussed.

"We have a further meeting in Shrewsbury next week," she said. "We would like to see it used for the community, an empty ward is simply a waste."

Mathew James, spokesman for the trust, said it was a positive meeting discussing suggestions.