Anger as stroke ward faces the axe at Stafford's County Hospital
The stroke department at County Hospital is set to be axed meaning patients will have to travel further to receive the life-saving treatment they need.
The University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust said a decision to shut the rehabilitation ward at the Stafford hospital was 'under consideration'.
Outraged staff claim they have not been formally consulted over the move to close the ward, which provides rehabilitation and emergency treatment for people who have suffered a stroke if they cannot be taken to the Royal Stoke University Hospital.
The unit, which is staffed by around 40 workers and costs in the region of £1.5 million a year to run, can treat up to 18 patients at one time.
A member of staff, who asked not to be named, said: "It is going to create a big black hole in the middle of Stafford if it is closed.
"It will be horrendous. It is 17 miles from Stafford to Stoke, we also have people from Cannock and Uttoxeter if they cannot get into the Burton hospital. Time is of the essence with stroke patients.
"Some patients come here after they are thrombolysed for specialist rehab and some people are admitted into our acute unit. Others receive 24-hour care we provide a whole range of care. We also get people coming here in the first instance."
The employee added: "Nobody has told the staff anything at all. We have heard a business case has gone to the clinical commissioning group but they have never funded the department anyway.
"It is absolutely disgusting there are a lot worried members of staff and patient's families."
Trust chiefs are 'reviewing' neurosciences, which includes the rehab ward at County Hospital and two further wards at Royal Stoke – the acute stroke team ward and neurology ward.
A trust spokesman said the closure of the County Hospital unit was being considered.
Dr Indira Natarajan, clinical director neurosciences, said: "The trust is currently reviewing its neurosciences pathway to further improve patient experience.
"This follows evidence that some patients are increasingly staying in a hospital bed for too long for specialist care and we are looking at improving access to high quality stroke specialist care delivered at home.
"We constantly strive to deliver high quality care for our patients and will be shortly entering discussions with commissioners, neighbouring trusts, staff and patients."
