A ROW has broken out between two Bolton health bodies over the future of Hulton Hospital.

The dispute between the Royal Bolton Hospital and Bolton Primary Care Trust has led to a delay in plans to close the historic hospital at the end of December. Now the Royal Bolton Hospital says it will continue nursing the elderly at the hospital until at least March.

In May, the Royal Bolton Hospital said it was planning to close the hospital as part of re-structuring which would see 75 nurses and 50 patients being moved from the site. It is still unclear whether the building, which occupies a valuable site ideal for housing in Hulton Lane, Deane, will be demolished.

Health watchdogs at Bolton Community Health Council are demanding answers about the hospital's fate, saying 75 staff are unsure of their future, as are patients and their families.

Chairman John Seddon said: "We are just being told that discussions are on-going. This idea that Hulton will close on December 31 is not what is happening. The latest information is that the hospital will hand over the beds to be managed by the Primary Care Trust and Bolton Social Services. We need a lot more information."

Assurances have been given that the public will be fully informed, and that jobs will be secure.

In a statement, the Bolton Hospitals NHS Trust said: "This Trust will continue to provide services at Hulton into the New Year. We are working with our partners in the Bolton Primary Care Trust and Bolton Social Services to come up with a plan which will offer the best and most appropriate care for older people.

"This is likely to mean some changes for Hulton Hospital. We will consult fully on any proposed changes."

Royal Bolton Hospital chief executive John Brunt said: "Hulton Hospital has been highly regarded for a long time, but I am aware the uncertainty of the past few years has caused much concern. We are keeping our staff informed and will ensure that the local community, as well as patients and families, are consulted properly."

A spokesman for the Primary Care Trust said: "There are no plans to close Hulton Hospital in January. Bolton PCT and Bolton Hospitals are working together to explore options for the future use of the site."