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Service changes and developments

One of the priorities for this Trust is to ensure that any plans we may have to develop and/or make changes to the services we provide, we are appropriately and meaningfully communicating and engaging with our staff, local communities, partners and statutory bodies.

This page will give you an overview of any service developments and/or changes. All information of such plans will be dated (some will be current but others will be historic), so please bear this in mind when looking through.

With service developments and/or changes, there are a number of factors that need to be considered before it goes ahead, which includes getting essential feedback and input from or staff, patients, public and stakeholders to help shape these plans. As such, some proposed service developments and/or changes highlighted on this page will not have been implemented yet.

Vascular services

Unexpected closure of lifts in Beeden House and reduced lift capacity in the Main Block, Bedford Hospital

Beeden House

We have had to make the difficult decision to close both lifts in Beeden House after finding an unexpected fault during routine maintenance.

This means that there will be disruption to services and appointments on the upper floors of Beeden House.

We are currently contacting patients to find the best individual solution for them, minimise disruption and ensure they continue to receive the care they need. At this point you do not need to contact us, we will contact all affected patients.

The decision to close the lifts was hard, but we felt it was the safest decision to best protect our patients and staff.

Reduced lift capacity in the Main Block

Please be aware our lifts in the Main Block currently have reduced capacity. In order to maintain lift functions and minimise traffic in the remaining lifts, we will be prioritising high priority movements.

Staff, patients and visitors can access the main block lifts if required, but may be asked to wait at main reception while other priority movements are made. A minimum of 4 people will be required before the lift departs. Security staff operating the lifts will be mindful that not all disabilities are visible and make appropriate accommodations for non-ambulant staff and visitors.

We apologise for the inconvenience the closure of lifts and reduced lift capacity will cause.

Thank you to everyone for your patience and support.