BEDS look set to be closed at York Hospital under a review currently taking place, The Press has learned.

Director of nursing Mike Proctor said a review was under way on how efficiency savings could be made at the hospital - and it was likely it would recommend beds should be cut.

"It's fair to say that there's a review under way at the moment, looking at the capacity we've got in the hospital in terms of beds and whether or not we need all the beds we currently have," he said.

"The review that's under way will no doubt recommend some bed closures."

The measure would help the hospital become more efficient, and would also prepare for fewer hospital admissions under multi million-pound cost savings currently being finalised by the severely cash-strapped Selby and York Primary Care Trust (PCT).

The hospital has already shut five beds on a general surgery ward and is to trial closing ten beds on one of its orthopaedic wards - but Mr Proctor said these moves were not linked to the review.

The hospital has shut beds on Ward 16 - a high-dependency general surgery ward - to relieve staff pressures there. It plans to launch the trial bed-cutting scheme on the elective orthopaedic ward - where patients go to have planned surgery - to create a new admission suite for patients.

"We're going to put couches in where patients can be examined," said Mr Proctor.

"It's in agreement with the consultants that it's a better use of that space than having beds in them.

"We're going to make it a pleasant area where patients can sit. We're not making a huge investment - it's using existing facilities that we've got.

" It's not about stopping services, it's not about reducing services."

Staff may be redeployed in the hospital to accommodate the moves.

Edna Mulhearn, York Hospital's Unison representative, said: "I can understand where they're coming from.

"Beds are sacred in the NHS. They've got to be used in the best way possible.

"We'll have to see the impact of the PCT not sending as many people to us."

On Saturday, The Press revealed how Red Roofs, a unit in Shipton Road which houses people who have been referred from Bootham Park Hospital, could be closed.

Patients could be moved elsewhere, possibly to a unit in the hospital.

The move is being considered by the cash-strapped Selby and York Primary Care Trust.

The trust is battling against millions of pounds of debts.

Earlier this month The Press also revealed how 200 posts were being cut at York Hospital.

The hospital announced it would not be filling 200 vacant posts over the next year, in a move it expects will save £2.5million.

Union leaders at the hospital blamed the primary care trust's financial problems for the situation.

Hospital chief executive Jim Easton said: "Since our announcement I have been spending a lot of time with groups of staff,

talking about how we tackle the challenge of providing high-quality care, meeting targets, and continuing to stay in financial balance.

"I would say the mood among staff is one of concern and some frustration, but determination to ensure we continue to have an excellent hospital in the City."

Updated: 08:56 Monday, April 24, 2006