A DEPUTATION of more than 15 nurses from Andover War Memorial Hospital challenged health bosses this week - over rumours that Nightingale Ward is to close.

They feared the ward would be shut after reports that 22 beds will be cut once the new nursing home opens in May,.

A member of staff said: "We've heard a rumour that 22 beds are to go and we are worried that Nightingale Ward will close. How much fact is behind that?"

The chief executive of the Mid Hampshire Partnership, Mr Chris Evennett, said work needed to be carried out on the options, although he promised to involve and inform staff.

He said: "We have got to do a piece of work to find out how many people in Winchester could benefit by coming to Andover, but can't because the beds are full.

"It may be more appropriate that the 22 beds saved in Andover are filled up with patients waiting in Winchester - but we have still to do that piece of work."

Health chiefs are exploring a radical plan to cut the running costs of Andover War Memorial Hospital while keeping a good affordable service on site - and cutting the 22 beds would save £550,000 in a full year.

But the partnership is calling for a public debate on proposals that envisage a 'more compact and efficient' hospital with a commitment to 'maintaining services'.

For the full story see Friday's Andover Advertiser.