MP launches petition to save Bridlington Care Unit

Mr Dewhirst started the petition after a proposal was put forward to close the service at Bridlington Hospital.

The move was confirmed by a joint statement on behalf of York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB).

People can now add their names to Mr Dewhirst’s petition at charliedewhirst.uk/bridhospital.

Mr Dewhirst said: “I am deeply concerned to learn of the proposed closure of the Bridlington Care Unit from June 2026 and was not made aware of any decision or consultation regarding the matter.

“I sought immediate clarification on the reasons for the closure from the Chief Executive of York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

“The reply I received is very disappointing as the recent direction of travel had been positive and there appeared to be a renewed recognition by the NHS Trust that Bridlington Hospital is an excellent but underused facility.

“I have been actively working with the separate health providers and the Bridlington Health Forum to encourage and expand the services available there. As residents will be aware, Bridlington Hospital has also successfully achieved accreditation as an elective surgical hub.

“I am therefore seeking an urgent meeting with the ICB and the CEO of the Trust to discuss how the ward can continue to be used for the benefit of local patients.

“If you agree that the Bridlington Care Unit should not be closed, please do sign my petition – and share it with your friends, family and neighbours – at charliedewhirst.uk/bridhospital.”

The NHS trust and ICB statement regarding the proposal said: “From June 2026, patients who would have been stepped down into the ward for a short stay will be supported to go to their intended care location (home or care home) sooner rather than having an extended stay in hospital. Shorter lengths of stay reduce the risk of infection or loss of mobility, for older people in particular.

“We want to reassure people in Bridlington that we continue to work closely with East Riding of Yorkshire Council who have various strategies in place to improve hospital discharge processes and support residents after leaving the hospital. In addition, there are a range of health service developments that will continue to support people who would normally be in hospital by closely monitoring them at home these include; frailty services, community nursing, and virtual wards.”

Dr Anthony Clarke, chair of the Bridlington Health Forum, talking about the proposal, said: “Bridlington Health Forum (BHF) was not party to this tragic decision to close the unit, nor expecting it, which sadly demonstrates a lack of openness and collaboration on behalf of the trust

“A Palliative Care Bed Pilot was promised by the Integrated Care Board (ICB) over two years ago and the closure of the care unit appears to reduce the likelihood of Palliative Care beds ever returning to Bridlington Hospital, which is very upsetting for many residents.

“The BHF is calling upon the ICB and trust to publish a plan for Bridlington Hospital which provides increased hospital services locally, including more out-patient appointments, more safe surgery, more rehabilitation, more diagnostic tests, an in-patient procedure unit and, most urgently, Palliative Care beds.”

Go to www.youtube.com/shorts/9lCse-2LDDc to see Mr Dewhirst’s video about the care unit plan.