MANAGEMENT at Arrowe Park Hospital have deferred the proposed closure of its Park Suite facility.

Following support received from patients, local people and members of staff, the trust which manages Arrowe Park and Clatterbridge hospitals, has decided that the unit will not close in early 2010 as originally planned.

It has established a dedicated team to fully assess and evaluate the provision of its private healthcare for patients, including the future viability of the Park Suite.

Chief executive Len Richards said: “We have listened to the opinions and views which have been shared recently by patient groups, local people and staff and we welcome this support.

“As a result and to ensure that we continue to provide the highest possible standard of healthcare for all our patients, we have brought together a group of senior clinicians led by Dr Terry Tarr, consultant anaesthetist and former chairman of our Hospital Medical Board, to explore all options for the future of our private healthcare provision.

“The group will work over the coming months to engage more fully with patients, local support groups and staff to identify a positive way forward, including assessing ways of improving and sustaining income from private healthcare.”

Len added: “In the past, income from the Park Suite has made a positive contribution to the healthcare services that we provide to our NHS patients. It is therefore vital that this position continues if the unit is to remain.”

A final decision on the future of the Park Suite is now due to be made in May 2010.