Lutterworth hospital is set to be re-opened to specifically look after local people struck down by Covid-19

An embattled Lutterworth hospital is set to be re-opened to specifically look after local people struck down by Covid-19.

The stunning revelation has been made by South Leicestershire MP Alberto Costa.

Mr Costa said health chiefs are vowing to make the dramatic move at Feilding Palmer Hospital on Gilmorton Road, Lutterworth, in the next few weeks.

And it comes after furious campaigners have stepped up efforts to save the beleaguered Harborough district town’s only hospital.

Mr Costa said he has “secured a commitment from Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust to re-open in-patient services at the Feilding Palmer Hospital”.

The Conservative MP said a new Covid-19 ‘Red Ward’ will be opened for patients battling coronavirus at the 121-year-old hospital.

Mr Costa spoke after the ageing Victorian hospital’s in-patient facility was temporarily shut last month amid fears over social distancing.

The MP said he’s now raised the matter with Health Secretary Matt Hancock and the Trust’s chief executive “to seek assurances over the hospital’s future use”.

“The Trust confirmed that it was due to reopen the in-patient facilities when safe to do so.

“However, they have since informed Mr Costa of their intentions to re-open the beds as early as next month as a newly-dedicated ward for patients requiring care for the coronavirus,” said the MP’s spokesman.

“The Trust has also confirmed that alterations will be made to the existing in-patient ward to accommodate new coronavirus patients following a site visit by NHS bosses later this week.”

Talking to the Harborough Mail, Mr Costa said: “I very much welcome the Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust’s new commitment to the reopening of the in-patient ward at Feilding Palmer in Lutterworth.

“Following the very understandable concerns of my constituents who are worried about the hospital’s future, I took this matter up directly with both the CEO of the NHS Trust and the Health Secretary.

“I am now very pleased that the recently-closed in-patient facility will have a new lease of life as a vitally important ward for the care of those with the coronavirus.”

Mr Costa added: “It’s important to note that the hospital’s new status as a ‘Red Ward’ for patients requiring care due to the coronavirus is only a temporary one.

“The NHS Trust has committed to reopening the previous in-patient services as soon as possible.

“Feilding Palmer Hospital is a deeply-valued and treasured service for the people of South Leicestershire.

“I am delighted that this local hospital will be part of the nation’s efforts in continuing to fight the coronavirus pandemic and provide urgent care to those who require it.”

Fiery veteran campaigner Mary Guppy, 77, of South Kilworth, told the Mail earlier this week: “Feilding Palmer Hospital has given thousands of people all over the Lutterworth area an excellent standard of treatment over more than 120 years.

“At a time when we have so many new developments opening up all over our patch and new people pouring in we need our very own cottage hospital back up and running.

“And then we all need to sit down and talk about how we are going to provide even better hospital care well ahead into the 21st century.”