FOI Request to CEO Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust
16th August 2025
Dear Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust Freedom of Information Team,
Keep Our NHS Public North East is a group of North East people who care for the future of our NHS. We strongly believe that the NHS should remain a fully funded public service, and not become privatised, and we campaign to uphold these values, both locally and nationally.
We comprise, mostly, members of the general public, together with some doctors, nurses and other health professionals who believe in the NHS.
KONPNE were shocked to learn that Ward 23 at Queen Elizabeth Hospital will close as “part of cost cutting measures”. Whilst recognising that the NHS is in challenging times due to the level of government funding this is a direct cut to frontline services and therefore must be challenged.
Ward 23 was set up as an innovative 24-bed approach to caring for elderly people who experience both physical and mental health issues. We see from your board papers in July 25 that the justification for this massive cut to services for one of the most vulnerable groups in society, is the move from hospital to community-based care signalled in the NHS 10 year plan. We know that this client group requires integrated mental and physical health care and intensive 24 hr support. There will undoubtedly be knock-on effect on other inpatient wards at QE and, additionally, we all know that existing community-based health interventions are at breaking point. This move will place increased pressures on existing community services and hard-working community staff.
Please provide under Freedom Of Information legislation;
- Details of the ‘consultation process’ on the closure of Ward 23.
- Details of associated consultations with existing community and primary care providers.
- A copy of the risk, equality and quality impact assessments carried out as part of the consultation process.
Dr. Helen Groom
Steering Group Member
Keep Our NHS Public North East
No cuts or cash-driven closures | Fair pay for all NHS staff | A fully-funded, universal, publicly owned and publicly provided National Health Service
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