A HOSPITAL has made the 'difficult decision' to close its beds due to staff sickness.

A spokesman for University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust revealed that staffing at Millom Hospital has been 'difficult for more than a week' - and the decision to close will be reviewed on a weekly basis.

The trust said it aims to reopen the hospital, in Lapstone Road, as soon as possible to provide safe care for patients.

Dee Houghton, deputy chief operating officer at University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, said: "University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust has made the difficult decision to temporarily close the beds at Millom Hospital due to staff sickness.

"Outpatient clinics and appointments at the hospital are not affected and patients should continue to attend their appointments.

"Staffing for Millom Hospital has been difficult for more than a week, with staffing for the ward being provided by colleagues from the Millom District Nursing service in addition to securing nursing bank and additional hours from across the team.

"However, despite these actions, staffing a full and safe rota is not possible to maintain at this current time, so the decision to temporarily close the unit has been taken and will be reviewed on a weekly basis.

"The trust aims to reopen as soon as it can provide safe care for patients."

Millom Hospital is a nine bed GP/nurse led unit which provides medical, nursing, rehabilitation and end of life care for predominantly sub-acute in-patients.

It provides accessible care close to patients' homes and is focused on providing patient centred care tailored to the individual’s needs.

It was officially opened in 2019 after a two-year renovation project.

The state-of-the-art centre encompasses both Waterloo House GP Surgery and North West Ambulance Service (NWAS).