Plans to shut a vital stroke rehabilitation centre in Willenhall have sparked a major community backlash, with more than 600 residents signing a petition against the move.
Trust Proposes Shift to Wolverhampton Amid Compliance Issues
Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust has confirmed its intention to close Hollybank House on Coltham Road. The facility, which provides specialist stroke rehab, is said to be no longer compliant with healthcare regulations. The trust estimates a required upgrade cost of around £500,000.
Instead of investing in the building, the trust proposes to transfer the inpatient stroke rehabilitation beds to West Park Hospital in Wolverhampton. The funds would be redirected to enhance 'at home' rehabilitation services for patients across Walsall.
Community Fury Over 'Loss' of Local Services
Lead petitioner Dianne Bettridge, who works within the service, has strongly criticised the plan for moving essential care out of the borough. She argued it would create significant travel difficulties for patients and their families during a critical recovery period.
"Stroke rehabilitation including beds should be kept in Walsall," Ms Bettridge stated. "Walsall residents want to be closer to home while they recover. This means no beds will be available close to home for Walsall residents."
She read a statement from a current patient at Hollybank House, which said: "I could not imagine a more holistic or rehabilitating environment than Hollybank House."
NHS Leaders Defend New 'Home-First' Model
Speaking at a health and social care scrutiny committee meeting on November 4, Stephanie Cartwright, the trust's community partnership director, explained the rationale. "There isn’t an option to keep Hollybank as a building open. It is not healthcare compliant," she said.
Ms Cartwright emphasised that the new model aims to reduce hospital stays and improve care at home. "We are proposing to reduce the inpatient beds, and by doing that we will be able to increase the amount of provision we are able to provide within their own home," she added.
The trust confirmed that two alternative local options were considered but deemed unsuitable. These were moving the service to Walsall Manor Hospital or into a former care home. No staff are expected to lose their jobs as a result of the changes.
Dr Simon Harlin, a clinical lead at the trust, stated there is a 'significant amount of evidence' supporting the proposed changes. Kelly Geffen, director of nursing, assured that "quality and safety of our patients won't change."
Despite these assurances, the proposal continues to face fierce local opposition, with campaigners demanding more evidence and fighting to keep stroke rehabilitation services within the Walsall borough.
