Changes to inpatient medical beds at the Hospital of St Cross, Rugby

Supporting patients in or closer to their homes following discharge, in line with the Government’s vision, is the driving force behind a new community-based model of care being delivered by University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust.

Following the introduction of Improving Lives, an integrated pathway for Coventry patients that avoids the need for them to transfer to Rugby while they wait for care in the community, the Trust has seen a significant reduction in the demand for transfers to the Hospital of St Cross.

A review has shown that the Trust no longer needs the current number of inpatient medical beds and, as a result, it has decided to close its Hoskyn Ward, which specialises in gerontology, from 4 December 2024. It is important to note that access to medical inpatient beds will remain the same for Rugby and Warwickshire patients at the Hospital of St Cross.

For Coventry people, it will mean the end of lengthy admissions in Rugby, away from their families. The decision is designed to support people to be more independent closer to home, utilising care and expertise from dedicated community teams.

Professor Andy Hardy, Chief Executive Officer at UHCW NHS Trust, said: “Our Improving Lives programme is helping us to identify patients who could avoid hospital admission and be better supported through community services and pathways at home.

“Our vision, in line with the Government’s agenda, is to work closely with our partners to deliver care in people’s homes and communities, and we know that bringing care closer to home is vital to helping our patients be healthier and happier for as long as possible.

“It is important to emphasise this planned change does not mean less access to medical beds for Rugby and Warwickshire patients - we remain fully committed to offering more services and investing into the future of the Hospital of St Cross.”

The Trust has ambitious plans to redevelop the Hospital of St Cross in Rugby over the next 10 to 15 years to deliver a high-quality clinical environment for patients and staff.

It has already made improvements to the hospital with new operating theatres, expanded breast surgery care and a new endoscopy unit now in place. This investment is already delivering more planned care for local people, such as knee and hip operations, eye procedures and ear, nose and throat surgery.

Plans are also under way to build a new ward and theatre block during 2026, with a planning application for that development being considered by Rugby Borough Council.

Subject to planning approval and funding being secured, the new facilities will build on the hospital’s accreditation as an elective surgical hub from NHS England in recognition of delivering the highest standards of care and operational practice.