A Norfolk hospital which has been branded unsafe and poorly led is shutting down.

The sudden closure of Mundesley Hospital tonight (Friday, October 20) follows a meeting between Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust and Norfolk's clinical commissioning groups (CQCs).

Catherine Wedge-Clarke, communications manager, confirmed all remaining patients were being transferred to other hospitals, but said the Mundesley Hospital board hoped to re-open the facility in the future.

Ms Wedge-Clarke said the closure was being made 'with deep sadness' and concern for patients, carers and their families.

She said: 'Following a meeting between Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT) and the Norfolk's clinical commissioning groups today, Mundesley Hospital have received notification from NSFT that they have been requested to withdraw all patients from Mundesley Hospital.

'The remaining patients will be transferred from Mundesley Hospital tonight - Friday October 20 and it is hoped that most will be able to be placed in other hospitals in Norfolk.

'It is with deep sadness that we are making this announcement and our primary concern is for patients, carers and their families who are experiencing a period of disruption during this change, as well as for all the staff who work at Mundesley Hospital.'

Following a CQC inspection in June, a report released earlier this month found patients were unsafe and the service was inadequately led, and recommended the hospital be kept under review.

The hospital is a private mental health care facility with 27 beds.

Ms Wedge-Clarke said there were hopes hospital's services could be revived if a new buyer was found for it.

She said: 'The board are disappointed with this decision and acknowledge all of the good work that the staff have been doing since the CQC visit in June.

'The Mundesley board are actively seeking a resolution to this issue, amongst which may be an option to seek a buyer for the hospital.

'The board is hopeful that a new owner would be able to work with the commissioners to recommence the referral of patients to the hospital.'

Ms Wedge-Clarke added: 'In the meantime, Mundesley Hospital is committed to the well-being of its dedicated doctors, nurses, support workers, catering and housekeeping staff who are obviously very concerned about their futures.

'The board is actively working on resolutions that will hopefully provide more clarity for the futures of hospital staff.'

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