HEALTH chiefs have given their word Lucy Baldwin Hospital will be redeveloped for patients - but refused to say it will not close until firm plans are in place.

The pledge came at Tuesday's packed public meeting on the Stourport mental health facility amid widespread fears for its future.

Chief executive of the Worcestershire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust Sue Hunt - who received a frosty reception from the 100-strong audience - also tried to answer concerns about care for patients currently at the 18-bed hospital during the two-year project to rebuild it.

The elderly patients are due to be transferred to several centres - including a Bromsgrove facility - from next month.

Mrs Hunt said: "If we set about the process of designing something and applying for planning permission, it would take to around Christmas to have these plans approved.

"We are not going to be able to maintain investment in the building until that time which is why I want to start closing the building now."

She added: "Last year it cost £107,000 more than it was budgeted for - I can't keep that going indefinitely. We need to ensure services that are provided are maintained. I would prefer to do that than maintain the building."

Pressed by Wyre Forest MP Dr Richard Taylor - who chaired the meeting - for a guarantee the hospital had a future, Mrs Hunt retorted: "I have never broken my word and I don't intend to start now."

Dr Agnes Nalpas, who runs the Wyre Forest Department of Old Age Psychiatry, said it was important all 18 patients were cared for throughout the redevelopment.

"We know in the NHS the future is a very long way away. We also know in the NHS temporary means permanent."

She added: "If we lose these 18 beds on Wilden Ward where will the patients be looked after? They are always full and we have a waiting list for admission. Patients and their carers will certainly suffer."

And patient representative Sarah Wall stressed disruption must be kept to a minimum to protect the most vulnerable people in society - and questioned whether enough replacement beds will be provided.

"We have to make sure they are safe - and safe wherever they are put. We need a move en masse.

"We might only be talking about 18 beds but whatever has been proposed so far is nine beds. Why should the vulnerable be affected? Hopefully it's not for financial reasons but that's all we can see at the moment."

Mrs Hunt said out of the 18 beds, four provided respite care and some patients in the remaining 14 beds were ready to be discharged.

She went on: "For those who need NHS care NHS care will be provided, even during the interim."

Clinical staff will decide if patients will be discharged and when they move will be accompanied by nurses who know them.

Mrs Hunt admitted the trust needed to make savings - and admitted the early closure will save money - but stressed the bottom line was better patient care in a purpose-built environment.