NURSES at Ipswich Hospital were today due to meet with bosses following speculation over the future of their jobs.The Evening Star was contacted by nurses from the hospital's Framlingham Ward who are concerned reorganisation of beds will leave them jobless.

NURSES at Ipswich Hospital were today due to meet with bosses following speculation over the future of their jobs.

The Evening Star was contacted by nurses from the hospital's Framlingham Ward who are concerned reorganisation of beds will leave them jobless.

A meeting was due to be held for nurses today with Alison Gilbert, who is in charge of the hospital's bed reconfiguration unit.

But hospital spokesman Jan Rowsell said their jobs were not at risk and the meeting was to “reassure nurses, not to make a big announcement.”

The hospital announced in September that it would be closing wards at the north end of the site, and that nurses would be relocated.

A rumour circulating among nurses at Framlingham Ward, which provides specialist diabetes care, is that some of those nurses will move to Framlingham Ward, replacing existing staff.

One nurse, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: “We are really demoralised anyway as we are understaffed and now we are working under the shadows of this rumours.

“I've asked my line manager what's going on, but she doesn't know anymore than we do.

“Everyone is depressed and upset, worried about the future.”

Ms Rowsell said: “No one's job is at risk with these ward changes.

“Framlingham Ward will continue to run exactly as it has been.

“We are concerned if staff feel their jobs are at risk and will make sure we reassure them. We are doing everything we can to protect existing members of staff.”