EXASPERATED hospital managers seem to be having difficulty in convincing staff at Hinchingbrooke Hospital that it is not on the point of closure over the need to save £9.6million on its £80million budget. Despite having clearly stated on July 13 that the

EXASPERATED hospital managers seem to be having difficulty in convincing staff at Hinchingbrooke Hospital that it is not on the point of closure over the need to save £9.6million on its £80million budget.

"Despite having clearly stated on July 13 that the rumours that the hospital was closing were completely untrue, they are still circulating and now have a timescale added," they say in a staff newsletter.

"There are no plans to close this hospital at any time, let alone within seven months. If you hear this rumour, please let the person passing it on know that it isn't true," the article continues.

Managers acknowledge that a root-and-branch review of all the hospital's activities is going on and may lead to organisational changes.

In addition, consultants KPMG have been engaged on a £250,000 contract to review elements of management and organisation. Their report will be considered at a meeting of the hospital trust board on September 7.

"The team has highlighted the existing efficiency of the trust and will demonstrate to the East of England Health Authority that it is an efficient and cost-effective hospital," staff are told.

A second wave of redundancies has been delayed until the board has considered the KPMG report and decided where economies could be made with least impact on patient services.

The first of the 41 staff whose posts will be deleted in the first wave are expected to receive redundancy notices next week. Some are likely to be re-deployed to other vacant posts at Hinchingbrooke or at Papworth or Peterborough hospitals.