Decision On Future Of Ascot Hospital

26 March 2013, 06:00 | Updated: 26 March 2013, 17:24

Plans to close of move three services at Heatherwood Hospital have been approved.

NHS bosses have decided to shut the birthing centre, move the minor injuries unit to Bracknell and change rehabilitation services at the Ascot hospital.

Campaigners say they are worried that Heatherwood Hospital could be closed completely but the NHS insists that it wants to keep it as a hospital offering “high-quality planned surgery”.

The hospital trust says the plans will mean that pregnant women would be supported “through a network of midwife-led and consultant-led services” rather than being seen at the Ascot Birth Centre at Heatherwood.

Anyone recovering from a stroke or other illness would have care and therapy in their own homes or community instead and Ward 8 at the hospital would be shut.

The minor injuries unit would be moved to the planned new Urgent Care Centre in Bracknell.