WOODSIDE LODGE is likely to close at the end of the year. I find this sad as it has been a part of the fabric of Maybush for many years.

Southampton City Council says it has looked at all options for saving the home. However, have University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust been approached with a view to the hospital funding most of the beds?

Often patients are ready for discharge from hospital but due to home conditions are unable to be discharged. They are unfortunately referred to as “bed blockers”.

The cost of looking after a patient at Woodside Lodge is far cheaper than when they are on a ward in Southampton General.

By moving them to Woodside Lodge it would save the trust money, free up hospital beds and reduce waiting times. From here they would be discharged back into the community.

A few of the beds at Woodside Lodge could also be allocated for emergency respite care.

This would be invaluable for our local GPs and help prevent placing patients into long term residential care where the costs at often borne by the city council.

JOE LOCKYER, Southampton.