A HOSPITAL specialising in end of life care will temporarily close later this month - despite concerns from residents and councillors.

Health bosses said a shortage of nurses and problems with staff sickness were the main causes behind the closure of The Lambert Memorial Community Hospital in Thirsk, North Yorkshire.

But questions were raised as to why some of the other 3,500 nurses employed by NHS South Tees Hospitals Trust could not be used.

The hospital, comprising just 14 beds, provides general rehabilitation, diagnostics and assessment of patents’ present and future care needs plus pain control and palliative care.

Members of North Yorkshire County Council’s scrutiny of health committee heard from trust chief executive Professor Tricia Hart who said concerns for patient safety was paramount.

But county councillor Gareth Dadd said he could not understand why nursing staff could not be transferred from among the 3,500 working at the trust's other hospitals.

He said: "We appreciate that problems emerge in terms of staffing and operational issues, but the trust must urgently formulate crisis management plans.”

Committee chairman, Jim Clark, said: "We are especially unhappy that the South Tees Trust is not reviewing their decision until next January 2016 and that much-needed beds will be closed all that time.”

However, the trust said the hospital is under enormous strain due various issues including filling vacant nursing posts, long-term sickness or leave.

Prof Hart said: “This decision has not been taken lightly and is entirely based on the safety and welfare of patients and also the wellbeing of our staff.

“In recent months we’ve done a number of things to try and mitigate the risks on the service, including nursing staff from other hospitals providing cover, but this is now unsustainable and a key patient safety concern for us.

“We know this will be disappointing for the residents of Thirsk and surrounding area but must stress this is only a temporary measure.

“Our first priority has to be patient safety and the service will be reviewed again in January 2016.”

She added that six beds would be added to the Rutson Ward at Northallerton's Friarage Hospital as a result of the closure.

Eleanor Hooper, whose husband Martin received end of life care at the Lambert, helped raise funds for the ward with the Joan Maynard Appeal in memory of the Sowerby-based Labour MP who died in 1998.

She said: “It’s a wonderful facility and it can’t be allowed to close. I would encourage everyone to write letters and shout about how important it is.”