Bridlington Care Unit Closure Confirmed Amid Community Outcry

​The York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has formally confirmed the permanent closure of the Bridlington Care Unit (BCU). Originally established in 2021 as a temporary step-down facility during the COVID-19 pandemic to manage patient discharge pressures from Scarborough Hospital, the 28-bed ward has been slated for closure as funding transitions toward a community-based model of care.

​Trust executives and health chiefs, including Chief Operating Officer Claire Hanson and Care Group Director Dr Ed Smith, have defended the transition. They argue that shifting care directly back into the community helps prevent the physical deconditioning often associated with prolonged stays in traditional hospital settings. While health leaders emphasise that Bridlington Hospital remains a valued asset, pointing to recent expansions in planned surgery and outpatient services, the decision has ignited widespread pushback from local residents, healthcare staff, and elected officials.

​Local Representatives Slam Decision as "Ignored Consultation"

Local Councillors and ​East Riding Liberal Democrats have expressed deep disappointment over the outcome, arguing that the public consultation process failed to reflect the overwhelming community feedback opposing the closure.

​Councillor Jayne Phoenix (Bridlington North),  strongly criticised the decision-making process:

​"What was the point of all the time and effort put in to the consultation where hundreds of people, including ward councillors and local activists, took time to give feedback to the powers that be for those views to be ignored. It really does feel like they think the people of Bridlington and Flamborough don't matter."

​Adding profound frontline perspective, Councillor Angela Walker of Bridlington Town Council shared her extensive experience:

​"Having spent three decades on the frontline at Bridlington Hospital, I know firsthand how vital these beds are. Forcing recovering patients out of their local area and into distant centralised hospitals, with no consideration for relatives who are often unable to visit due to transport issues, isolates the patients from their families and delays their recovery. Our community and Councillor Jayne Phoenix have fought for this hospital, and we cannot sit by while it is hollowed out piece by piece."

​Scrutiny, Social Care Pressures, and Next Steps

​The decision follows extensive oversight from local authorities, including reviews by the East Riding Health, Care and Wellbeing Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee. Former Chair of sub committee and local councillors raised persistent concerns regarding whether the local authority's social care system is fully equipped to absorb the rapid transition and prevent undue strain on overstretched budgets.

​Addressing the decision and the broader impact on the community, East Riding Liberal Democrat Grpup Leader. Councillor Denis Healy criticised the outcome:

​"This is a bitter blow for everyone who has fought so hard to protect local services. The decision to close the Bridlington Care Unit ignores the clear voice of residents and the dedicated campaigning of local councillors like Jayne Phoenix. Our community relies on accessible local healthcare, and hollowing out services at Bridlington Hospital undermines patient trust and puts unfair pressure on families."

​Trade unions such as Unite have similarly voiced strong opposition, warning of potential staff redundancies, increased pressures on neighboring facilities like Scarborough Hospital, and transport hurdles for patients and families.

​Chief Executive Clare Smith acknowledged the strength of public feeling and noted the Trust's commitment to building transparency moving forward. The Trust has announced plans to publish further details regarding implementation timelines, transition arrangements, and ongoing community engagement opportunities as the new community-based model is rolled out.