PATIENT watchdogs have admitted defeat in their 14-month battle against the closure of Burnley General's day hospital for the elderly.

Community Health councillors won a temporary reprieve for the centre following a public outcry last year, but last night bowed "to the inevitable" and accepted the closure would take place next April.

The defeat came after health trust chiefs renewed their bid to close the day hospital in order to save cash and gave firm assurances on the care of patients.

Some 40 day hospital places will now be transferred to Pendle and Rossendale hospitals which have similar facilities.

A small number of patients who only need social care at Burnley, and in some cases have been using the hospital centre for years, will receive alternative provision from social services.

The closure will save the Trust up to £100,000-a-year and free much needed space at the general hospital, say managers.

In addition, East Lancashire Health Authority will save the £104,000-a-year subsidy provided for the temporary reprieve. CHC chairman Frank Clifford told his council: "Although Burnley would still like a day hospital in the local area, I think we are accepting the inevitable."

Members expressed concern over the closure and called for assurances over the sensitive treatment of patients, carers and staff during the closure process.

They said they wished top see the active involvement of patients and carers in the provision of patient needs both now and in the future.

Trust chiefs had hoped to close the hospital next month but put back the date to April following CHC opposition, which Coun Clifford said was a correct move to allow an orderly and natural transition for frail, elderly patients.

Trust chairman, Brian Foster said patients normally used the day hospital for 15-week periods, which meant there would be no disruptive transfer from Burnley to Rossendale or Pendle - new patients would simply go to the alternative centres as Burnley was phased out.

Last year more than 500 people sent letters to hospital bosses calling on them not to close the day hospital.

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