THE boss of Poole Hospital has scotched rumours that it could be forced to close if the proposed merger with the Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals does not take place.

Chief executive Chris Bown said: “It’s absolute nonsense. It’s ridiculous to even think that Poole Hospital would be closing.

“There have been no plans and no discussions – not even hypothetical.

“There’s still going to be a need to continue to provide healthcare to local people. The issue is about who runs local healthcare.”

His assurance follows the announcement that Monitor, which regulates foundation trusts such as Poole, has launched an investigation into the hospital’s finances.

It was triggered by Poole’s bleak financial forecast for the next three years, based on remaining as a stand-alone trust.

Mr Bown explained that NHS tariffs had been reduced, while the costs of inflation, staff pay and drugs had risen.

Although Poole was not currently in debt and had £15million in reserve, from next year, it would have to trim a further £10million a year.

“We don’t believe we can make the level of savings needed.

“We’ve had assessments from external accountants and they agree,” he said.

“If the merger isn’t approved, the logical thing for the NHS would be for our services to be run by Bournemouth.

“It’s better for the NHS, staff and patients for us to have a process that is structured and managed.”

The case for the merger is currently with the Competition Commission, which is due to issue its final report in mid-August.

Among submissions is the following warning: “Without the merger, both trusts will face considerable financial difficulties, with PHFT (Poole Hospital Foundation Trust) likely to fail in the short to medium term.

“Poole as a stand alone trust will be in an unsustainable loss-making position. This would lead to… regulatory intervention and to the trust facing administration.

“Financial failure by Poole would lead to its services being transferred – either in whole or in large part – to other providers.

“Given the need to maintain a Dorset provider… Bournemouth would be the natural recipient.”