Kurtz Ward, which is primarily used by men who are recovering from general surgery, is set to shut on Friday, September 15. Hospital chiefs say the ward's closure will not lead to a reduction in the number of operations by St Helens and Knowsley NHS Trust.

And a spokesperson for the Trust said the move was a short-term measure that is often done "periodically throughout the year."

However, a source has told the Star there are fears there will be no post-operative ward available for patients who undergo general surgery on a day ward and end up needing to stay in St Helens Hospital overnight.

ARRANGEMENTS

The source said: "When men are admitted to the David Gamble day ward for surgery very often they are not well enough to go home and they need to be admitted overnight.

"Normally they would go to Kurtz Ward. What will happen now? Will it be an ambulance to Whiston Hospital - or do they intend putting a 30-year-old man in a geriatric ward?

In response to those fears, a Trust spokesperson said appropriate arrangements will be made for patients depending on their individual needs.

The spokesperson added: "It is the Trust's policy to minimise patient transfers and such transfers are made on the basis of clinical grounds, this policy is applied to both St Helens and Whiston sited patients and based upon care need."

A St Helens and Knowsley NHS Trust statement added: "The Trust is continually looking at the re-provision of clinical services in order to ensure patient needs are met in the most effective and efficient way taking into account current and future service developments and activity.

"No reductions have been made to clinical services and any change in location and care provision is supported by ensuring staff with the appropriate knowledge and skills are available at all times to provide the highest standard of patient care."