Refurbish it (From Penarth Times)

Refurbish it

IN RESPONSE to Gemma Mitchell's excellent article (Hospital Should Be Reopened, August 22), I am writing to support the proposal to refurbish Sully Hospital. Currently there is a desperate shortage of beds in the NHS in South Wales, that is the principal reason that surgical waiting lists are so long.

The Trust does not ring-fence surgical beds, which means that medical admissions often take up beds scheduled for surgical patients, thereby 'stacking up' the waiting lists. If Sully were refurbished for rehabilitation, this would free up a large number of beds for surgical patients. The cost would be considerably cheaper than building a new hospital, and the hospital could be ready for occupation relatively quickly.

The Trust has already had to bring part of the CRI back into use, so let the Trust get on with saving a valuable asset, whilst fulfilling their primary purpose, providing health care for the patients.

Robin Williams Co-ordinator, The British Cardiac Patients Association South Wales Area Group Gwyn James Court Penarth