THE investigation into the standards of care at Fordingbridge Hospital is still continuing and more than 2,000 people have now joined the Forest Journal's campaign to call for assurances that beds in the in-patient ward will re-open.

Ford Ward has been closed since October while an independent investigation continues into com plaints made by patients and families about the standard of care provided at the hospital.

Hampshire Primary Care Trust (PCT) has insisted it is the intention to re-open the ward - but only if it is in a position to guaranteed it is safe and practicable to do so and adequate staff can be found.

Ford Ward offers rehabilitation to local people nears their homes who have previously been in a larger hospital.

The moves by the PCT have raised fears the beds might never be re-opened and the Forest Journal campaign, supported by New Forest MP Desmond Swayne and the Friends of Fordingbridge Hospital, to ensure they do has uncov ered very strong feelings in the community that the beds are vital.

The 2,000-signature petition calling for the beds to stay will be handed over to the PCT on February 22.Forest Journal chief reporter Morwenna Blake said: "The number of peo ple who have offered their support to the campaign with signatures or letters about their experiences at the hospital has shown the strength of feeling out there.

The petition will be handed over to the PCT this month but there is still time for people to add their names to the campaign."

To add your voice to the call to Save Our Beds write to the Forest Journal at 6 Monmouth Court, Southampton Road, Ringwood, Hampshire, BH24 1HE.