Tory Council to blame for DGH crisis

12.00.00am GMT Fri 16th Dec 2005

Huge problems are being caused at Eastbourne DGH by Conservative run East Sussex County Council's 'bed blocking'. The Council has already been fined £1million for forcing elderly people to take up valuable hospital beds rather than placing them in care homes. More fines could be on the way if the Council does not improve it's performance.

Local campaigners are demanding that Conservative Council leaders take action to end this shameful situation.

Stephen Lloyd commented, "It is scandalous that the County Council is choosing to pay these fines out of our Council Tax money rather than providing proper care for older people. It is unfair to the pensioners and it is taking up vital bed space at the hospital. It must end."

More cuts

But instead of tackling the problems, Conservative Council leaders are proposing TO CUT a further four desperately needed Social Service beds in the town.

Stephen Lloyd said, "These new cuts could make things even worse than they have been. How big a fine will local taxpayers' have to pay next year? How many more patients will suffer because of the extra strain placed on the hospital? The Council must take action to end this shocking state of affairs."

Services to suffer

Lib Dem County Councillor David Tutt has warned that services across the county will suffer because of the huge fines being paid by the Council. A Council report seen by local Lib Dems reveals that if the current situation continues, fines could exceed the total Community Care budget!

Social Services could face further cuts as we head towards what experts predict could be the coldest winter for decades. The cold weather is likely to place increased strain on hospital services.

Cllr David Tutt said, "The Council is failing in its basic duty. It is failing the older people forced to stay in hospital unnecessarily. It is failing the patients who will need to use the hospital in the coming months. The Tory Council Leader should resign in shame."

Operations cancelled

The number of beds blocked at the DGH and Conquest Hospital has shot up to almost a hundred - a hundred beds that are unavailable to patients. The closure of two wards at the Conquest Hospital has made matters even worse placing even more strain on the DGH.

East Sussex Hospital Trust is determined to take on the County Council to sort out the bed blocking situation, which is currently at its highest level since July.

Out of the total, a staggering 68 patients are occupying beds because the County Council will not fund social servcies adequately to provide sufficient community healtcare places. The Trust has had to cancel 450+ operations between January and June this year largely because of bed blocking.

Lib Dem County Cllr Beryl Healy said: "The time for excuses is over. It is time for action. Local people will not tolerate any more of this."