An NHS trust is investigating whether it should permanently reduce the number of bedspaces it provides to dementia patients, ahead of a planned long-term review of its services.
Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust previously provided 34 inpatient beds to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease patients across Sunderland and Northumberland.
It is now trialling whether 21 beds are enough for the two areas, which it said reflected current demand. A spokesperson said bedspaces would be increased up to 34 again during the trial, if required.
The move is ahead of a long-term review of services for the patients, which may involve closing its Northumberland ward fully.
The trust said some older people with conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease or dementia might need inpatient care when it would be difficult to safely manage their needs at home or in the community.
“The aim of admitting someone to an inpatient ward is usually to provide intensive assessment and treatment,” a spokesperson said.
“How long somebody stays on a ward can vary a lot.”