STAFF shortages have been blamed for the loss of five beds at Malton Community Hospital.

The 43-bed facility in Middlecave Road has now been reduced to 38, all of which were full yesterday, and the hospital said it was handling admissions on a one-in, one-out basis.

Janet Probert, managing director for North Yorkshire and York Community and Mental Health Services, said: “There are currently five beds closed at Malton Community Hospital due to reduced staffing numbers. How-ever, the status with regards availability of beds at our community hospitals changes on a daily basis in line with patient need.

“Malton Hospital can currently treat up to 38 patients at a time and therefore has 38 ‘available beds’.

“The hospital is open for admissions, but today is at capacity. Should any patients be discharged the hospital will again be able to admit to those available beds.”

The hospital offers a range of services including vascular surgery and a minor injuries unit.

The trust said admissions which could not be taken in at Malton would be accommodated at Scarborough Hospital.

Thirk and Malton MP, Anne McIntosh, said the affected beds were in a recently opened ward and asked how the primary care trust had got “the sums so wrong.”

“What will be the impact on the local community?” she said. “Obviously we want the service to be up to the usual high standards.

“Malton seems to be treated as the poor relation to Scarborough, but the staff do excellent work.”

Ryedale District Councillor Howard Keal said the hospital provided an immensely important role in the health care of the region.

“It’s immensely concerning that they have shaved off five beds and reduced the level of service.”

He said: “It’s a massively false economy for the ward to be under used and I urge the trust to find a way very quickly to make sure that the necessary staffing is in place so that the hospital can operate as it should for the benefit of residents in the county.”