HEALTH bosses have confirmed they want to start a new 40-bed intermediate care service at Wharfedale Hospital.

The move, still at an 'exploratory' stage, has been hailed by politicians, who have been calling for empty wards in Otley to be used for just such a purpose.

NHS Leeds South and East Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) announced the news this week.

The CCG confirmed it is "exploring the potential of running a new 40-bed community intermediate care service on the Wharfedale Hospital site".

It added: "This will increase the number of beds available for short term, non-acute care and ensure easier access for those living in the North and West of the city."

MP Greg Mulholland (Lib Dem, Leeds North West) said: "I welcome the fact the possibility of 40 new beds at Wharfedale Hospital is now being properly looked at.

"I have long called for the unused wards to be brought into use so patients don’t have to travel all the way into Leeds and face long waiting times, all while there is a modern local hospital with unused wards.

"This has long been a matter of frustration for residents in Otley and surrounding areas.

"Residents and I will be hoping these discussions are productive and that the 40 beds can be installed as soon as possible."

Councillor Graham Latty (Con, Guiseley and Rawdon) has also been pushing for the change.

He said: "This news is very welcome and will greatly help many of our residents, particularly the elderly, who presently would have to be provided with a bed in Wortley or Pudsey should they need intermediate care.

"One of the biggest benefits is that partners and spouses using public transport to visit would find it so much easier to travel to Wharfedale."

Cllr Sandy Lay (Lib Dem, Otley and Yeadon) added: "I've spent the past three years, with Cllr Latty, hassling, lobbying and generally being a pain to the Clinical Commissioning Groups, Leeds City Council and Leeds Teaching

Hospitals NHS Trust (LTHT).

"I'm pleased everyone now appears to be pulling in the same direction in recognising the need for sub-acute beds in outer North West Leeds.

"Having 'lined up all the ducks', the final part is for the CCG and LTHT to work together to turn plans into action."

Leeds South and East CCG said its new overall strategy is based on in-depth consultation with patients during recent years.

Associate director of commissioning, Sarah Lovell, added: "The decisions we have taken are a key part of providing care closer to home that meets patient’s expectations.

"The additional beds will relieve pressure on traditional hospital wards, provide capacity right across the city, reduce waiting times and improve care, particularly for those living with dementia."

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