Woodland View ward to close after 'falling short of standards'

Woodland View ward to close after 'falling short of standards'

Written by: ABC News Reporter

A closure of a secured hospital ward for individuals with complex learning disabilities is set to take place within a matter of weeks, creating challenges for families seeking appropriate care for vulnerable patients, according to sources from ABC News. Woodland View Hospital, located in Ayrshire, will be shutting down its ward on 14 July following statements from health authorities citing that the ward has failed to meet their established standards and expectations.

In an unusual move, experts speaking to ABC News deemed it illogical to close an entire ward with such short notice. Typically, transitions of this nature necessitate a period of three to six months for proper planning. Andrew Malcolm, who has been advocating for the release of his 21-year-old son Fraser from the hospital for the past four years, expressed concerns over the lack of time to arrange a suitable care package in such a hastened manner.

North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership’s director, Caroline Cameron, highlighted the ward’s inadequacies, citing an unsuitable physical environment and incidents of violence and aggression leading to its closure. Progressive challenges in recruiting and retaining staff and hurdles in relocating patients to more suitable community accommodations have also contributed to the decision to shut down Ward 7A.

Fraser, a resident of West Kilbride in North Ayrshire, is among six patients affected by the impending closure. His prolonged stay within the hospital, which commenced in 2021 for a 12-week assessment due to behavioral regulation difficulties, has drawn concerns from his parents. The closure announcement has left them apprehensive about Fraser’s well-being and the lack of a proper transition arrangement

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More