“Make better use of Bridlington Hospital” call by MP
Bridlington and the Wolds MP Charlie Dewhirst has urged York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to make better use of Bridlington Hospital.
Mr Dewhirst delivered the plea during a meeting with the trust’s chief executive Clare Smith.
The MP, who started a petition to save the hospital’s care unit after its proposed closure, also said he is working to tackle the ‘stark health inequalities in our town’.
Mr Dewhirst said: “Following my meeting with the Integrated Care Board, I today met with Clare Smith, the trust’s chief executive, to directly express my deep disappointment at the proposed closure of the Bridlington Care Unit (BCU).
“From our discussion, the trust is facing significant financial pressures and has announced plans to close the unit from June 2026.
“As previously highlighted, this Covid-era facility has provided vital short-stay rehabilitation for elderly patients who are medically ready for discharge but need additional support before returning home or moving to a care home.
“Instead the trust intends to support these patients to leave hospital more quickly with enhanced community or care home packages. I have sought assurances that stroke and rehabilitation services on the Bridlington site will continue unaffected.
“However, with Bridlington’s rapidly growing population, especially the 65+ demographic, any changes to local health services must be firmly data driven and take full account of our town’s specific needs.
“During our discussion, I strongly urged the Trust to make better use of Bridlington Hospital, which has recently achieved accreditation as an elective surgical hub (assessed in 2025, with operations scaling up from 2026).
“Together with the Bridlington Health Forum, I have also long advocated for a comprehensive Bridlington Health Improvement Plan to tackle the stark health inequalities in our town. I welcome the Trust’s work on a clinical strategy and roadmap setting out future services and I will continue to press for meaningful progress that keeps more care closer to home.
“I remain firmly opposed to the closure of the Bridlington Care Unit and will continue fighting to protect local rehabilitation capacity.
“I will be presenting my petition to Parliament to demonstrate the strength of feeling across the town.”
Go to www.charliedewhirst.uk/bridhospital to add your name to Mr Dewhirst’s petition.