“Since the Trust took over the management of Shotley Bridge Community Hospital in 2002, we’ve maintained the same range of service there for the people of Derwentside.

“More than 100,000 visits were made to the hospital last year, for outpatient appointments in more than a dozen specialties, diagnostic x-rays and ultrasounds, and to receive other treatments and care in one of our 45 inpatient beds.

“Earlier this year, we raised concerns about continuing to offer day surgery at Shotley Bridge. This is why we are pleased to be working with the Primary Care Trust,the County and the District Councils on this fresh look at how Shotley Bridge Hospital can continue to serve local people.

“Our priorities remain the same. As modern healthcare changes, alongside the health needs of local communities, we want to make sure that people get the treatment they need, when they need it, and in the place that means they’ll get the most appropriate and safe care.”

John Saxby
Chief Executive

Shotley Bridge Hospital

Derwentside District Council will aim to keep everyone up to date over the next six to seven months with what is happening at Shotley Bridge Hospital.
Next week consultants will be appointed by the Acute Trust, the Primary Care Trust and your two local councils to look at the future of the hospital. What we want to do is involve local people in this process, so that we all know what is happening during the review as well as its conclusions.
Everyone is aware that these are difficult times for the health service: But we believe the community's voice is even more important when difficult issues are ahead and this could be one place to express and collect the views of people concerned with our local services.
This site is called supporting Shotley Bridge Hospital and that is what we expect to hear, however what the District Council do not want to see are attacks or rants against groups or individuals: That will not help Shotley Bridge Hospital,we still have a great facility here and we can best support the staff and the hospital by being positive and letting those with influence realise how much we still value Shotley Bridge.