To ensure the same high quality service is delivered to patients, it is necessary to transfer them to another hospital.
Jennie Collier, Managing Director for MPFT, said “We have done this once before, prior to Covid-19, and we used Bradwell Hospital.
“Our contingency plan for a Covid surge, was to use Bradwell Hospital for Covid-positive patients ready to leave University Hospitals of North Midlands (UHNM), but not yet ready to go home. So, this time, we also looked at Cheadle Hospital.
“On balance, we have decided to use Cheadle Hospital. This is because the site is not as busy as Bradwell, which will help us to comply with arrangements to protect against the spread of Covid-19.
“The layout of the ward also makes it easier for us to keep the patients that will be transferring this time safe.
“We will keep Bradwell in reserve if it is needed for a Covid-19 surge as we approach winter.”
Patients at the Haywood tend to stay for short periods of time and so a person should not have to move twice.
Marcus Warnes, Accountable Officer for NHS North Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs), said: “The essential work that is required at Haywood Hospital means that MPFT will have to accommodate patients in another hospital whilst that work is carried out. Cheadle Hospital is empty, was made ready as escalation capacity if needed to care for patients with Covid-19 so is best placed to care for patients until the work at the Haywood is complete.
“For the avoidance of any doubt, this is a temporary measure and the beds at Cheadle Hospital are not re-opening. The CCGs will continue to implement the outcomes of the consultation on the future of community services in northern Staffordshire last year following the decisions made by North Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Governing Bodies in January.”