THE long battle to save a Bury hospital has been lost.

The closure of Florence Nightingale Hospital, which dates from the Victoria era, has been agreed by the Secretary of State after fierce objections by local residents and voluntary groups. The recommendation to close the hospital, off Bolton Road was first put forward by Bury and Rochdale Health Authority and prompted a public outcry.

It provides care for general medical patients and the elderly and also has a small rehabilitation unit.

The authority says the closure means beds more suited to current needs can be opened at the town's Fairfield Hospital where a £1 million upgrading of wards has been taking place.

"The decision means we can provide beds at Fairfield which are much more appropriate for the provision of high quality care," said Philip Bacon, chief executive of Bury Healthcare NHS Trust. Richard Popplewell, chief executive of Bury and Rochdale Health Authorities said he was similarly confident that the closure would mean an overall improvement in Bury's hospital services.

He said: "At present we are reviewing health services in both Bury and Rochdale with the aim of improving facilities for patients and carers and addressing current needs.

"This re-organisation will allow for better treatment of patients in Bury." The initial recommendation to close the hospital was made in a consultation report in April 1995 which maintained the plan would reduce multi-site working, make better use of clinical and nursing resources and improve patient access.

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