A HOSPITAL in Bolton could close as early as April, according to the town's health chiefs.

The future of Deane-based Hulton Hospital is under discussion but it seems likely it will be shut down -- with some of the site being sold off.

Many of the hospital's 16 buildings, some of which date back to 1908, need major repairs or demolition following, it has been suggested, around 20 years of under-funding.

John Brunt, chief executive of the Royal Bolton Hospital which oversees the site in Deane, said redevelopment was essential.

And although he ruled out selling the hospital to a private health care organisation, he said some of the site would be sold off.

He told a meeting of Bolton Community Health Council (CHC): "It is likely some would be sold off because we don't use half of it now."

Plans would then be put in place by the health authority for new buildings to be built on the remaining land. They would, Mr Brunt said, be used "for the benefit of health care in Bolton."

Anne Schenk, director of service development at the Royal Bolton Hospital, said Hulton Hospital had problems with attracting and retaining staff.

She said changes had been taking place since last month with more frail, elderly and vulnerable patients being moved to the Royal Bolton Hospital.

Mrs Schenk believes many patients receiving intermediate care at Hulton Hospital would be better served with treatment out of hospital and in the community.

There were, however, some objections to the move. CHC member John Hartshorne said: "Hulton Hospital has been a superb site with wonderful staff and I believe a single storey building for the care of the elderly is much better than a multi-storey site such as at the Royal Bolton Hospital."

Other concerns included Hulton Hospital's use as an over-flow site, useful during emergencies such as a flu epidemic.

Hulton Hospital cares for long-stay elderly patients. Staff fear for their jobs but the Hospitals Trust said that from the end of March employees will have the option of moving to the Royal Bolton Hospital or to jobs with the Primary Care Trust helping rehabilitate elderly people at home.

The hospital buildings could be developed as a community-based care facility, as part of the Bolton NHS and social care system which could allow the sale of part of the site with money generated being reinvested in local health services.

Some patients would be moved to recently renovated wards at the Royal Bolton Hospital. The remainder would be rehabilitated either in residential homes or in their own home, supported by specialist staff.