Email to Kate Osborne MP
15th August 2025
Dear Kate
 
I am a constituent and a retired nurse from QEH. I am also writing on behalf of the local campaign group “Keep Our NHS Public North East”. Your response will be shared with members of the group.
 
I am appalled to learn of the  closure of Ward 23 at QE Hospital, Gateshead. This was reported last week in the Chronicle at https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/dementia-ward-close-gateshead-hospital-32202345
You will appreciate that this is a unique and well-used unit, and was set up as an innovative approach to treating elderly people with both mental health and physical health problems. It will be a huge loss to the people of Gateshead. 
 
Gateshead Health NHS Trust are open in stating that this closure is driven by cost-cutting measures and I am aware that staff at the hospital and relatives are outraged at this decision. Apparently, the plan is to strengthen community-based care – but surely the whole point is that this client group requires integrated (mental health and physical health) and intensive 24 hour treatment and support. There will undoubtedly be a knock-on effect on other inpatient wards at QE, as these needs will still need to be met. Additionally, we all know that community-based health interventions are at breaking point and this move will place increased pressures on existing community services and hard-working community staff. To make this loss even worse the Trust are now beginning a consultation phase on reducing by 1/3 the night staff on the Rapid response team within the community!
 
Although the decision has been made on this by the Trust, I write to you as my MP and in your position of representing the views of constituents and in ensuring good services in Gateshead in the future. Although this was a health service decision, yourself as MP also has a part to play.
 
I would be grateful if you would please let me know of your views on this, what you did to oppose this move, your discussions with Gateshead Trust about this, and your plans to ensure that the specific needs of this vulnerable client group are met. We do not feel adequate consultation was carried out before loosing such an important service to the people of the area.
 
Yours sincerely
 
Maddy Nettleship