Nuneaton MP Marcus Jones today raised the possible closure of Bramcote Hospital in the House of Commons with Health Minister, Simon Burns MP.

NHS Warwickshire has been considering closing the hospital in recent months, which provides rehabilitation for elderly patients.

Bramcote Hospital, which has already been reduced to 20 beds from 41 after a recent decision by NHS Warwickshire, that are being utilised for orthopaedic and medical rehabilitation. Mr Jones has recently received a petition with 1600 signatures demanding that the hospital stay open.

During the parliamentary debate, Marcus sought assurances that the Government would consider the views of local residents and the GPs consortia before agreeing to meet the substantial impairment costs, believed to be around £3.2m, which are a prerequisite to close the hospital.

Commenting on the closure proposal, Marcus Jones said: “I am very keen to ensure that the views of residents living in Nuneaton and those of the GP consortia are taken fully into account. I am already aware that a consortia represents some 44,000 patients and 1600 local residents are adamant that they do not want to see the hospital close.

“There are three criteria that have to be met by NHS Warwickshire before the Department of Health agree to the very substantial costs involved.”

The criteria that will need to be met are support from GP commissioners, strength of public & patient engagement and the proposal will need to be based on sound clinical evidence.