NHS Trust Postpones Bridlington Care Unit Closure After Community Pressure
Friday 29th May 2026
By Bridlington Gold Radio Editor
The planned closure of Bridlington Hospital’s Care Unit has been postponed, just three days before the ward was due to shut its doors. York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has agreed to pause the closure and carry out further consultation following significant public pressure and political scrutiny.
The decision comes after Bridlington and The Wolds MP Charlie Dewhirst led a high‑profile campaign opposing the shutdown, presenting a 5,784‑signature petition to Parliament earlier this month. In his Commons speech, he warned that the “rushed closure” would remove vital short‑stay rehabilitation beds for elderly and recovering patients, forcing families to travel to Scarborough or York.
Mr Dewhirst welcomed today’s pause, thanking residents, volunteers, East Riding of Yorkshire Council and the Bridlington Health Forum for their support.
“Thank you so much to everyone who supported my campaign, signed the petition and stood up for better local health services. The fight goes on,” he said.
Charlie Dewhirst MP
Why the Unit Was Under Threat
The Care Unit—opened in 2021 during the Covid pandemic—was originally funded as a temporary measure to ease pressure on Scarborough Hospital by supporting patients who were medically fit for discharge but awaiting care packages.
Funding from the Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board is due to end in 2026–27, with the Trust arguing that resources should be redirected into community‑based services and “care closer to home” in line with the NHS 10‑year plan.
However, councillors and campaigners raised concerns that community services are not yet robust enough to replace the unit’s role, warning that the closure could harm vulnerable patients and increase pressure on Scarborough Hospital.
Union Concerns
Unite the Union previously condemned the closure plans as “the worst possible outcome for patients and staff”, warning that elderly residents would face long journeys and that staff could be forced into lengthy commutes or redundancy.
What Happens Next
The Trust has now agreed to pause the closure and undertake a fuller consultation with staff, councillors, and community representatives. Discussions with staff on the unit had already begun, with assurances that alternative roles would be offered if closure eventually proceeds.
For now, the Care Unit remains open—and campaigners say they will continue pushing for long‑term protection of services at Bridlington Hospital.
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