HEALTH bosses who were forced to close a ward for the mentally ill due to a staff shortage are struggling to attract new recruits.

Ward A at Accrington's EMI (Elderly Mentally Ill) unit shut temporarily in October because of a combination of sickness among workers and an inability to recruit registered mental nurses.

The closure, which caused uncertainty among the 30-plus nursing staff at the unit, based at The Mount, meant patients were transferred to another ward, Ward B. But it was revealed today that there had been only two inquiries to a jobs advert placed in the nursing press. John Thomas, chief executive of Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley NHS Trust, said: "While the sickness absence levels have improved slightly since the beginning of November, it has not been possible to recruit a significant number of qualified staff into the vacancies which exist. A recent advert in the nursing press only attracted two inquiries which are being followed up as quickly as possible. As quality of patient care is paramount, The Mount will continue to operate with both wards amalgamated until staffing levels are improved.

"The additional beds opened on Ward B have enabled the mental health unit to maintain the level of service previously provided."

After the closure was announced, worried staff expressed fears that the ward may never reopen but hospital bosses denied that was their intention. Mr Thomas has pledged that there is no intention of closing the ward permanently.

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