Grantham Hospital will not be closing despite what some campaigners may claim, according to the trust that runs it.

The response from Andrew Morgan, CEO of United Lincolnshire Hospitals, followed a question at the trust's Annual Public Meeting, which was staged 'virtually' this morning.

Campaigner Liz Wilson accused the trust of persisting in claiming changes taking place under the 'cover of covid' were temporary, while it was "trying to achieve the closure of Grantham Hospital."

During the pandemic, ULHT 'downgraded' the A&E into an Urgent Treatment Centre, with it creating a Covid-free 'green' area so it could focus on some treatments like cancer.

Mr Morgan told the online meeting: "The changes that we put in place are temporary. The board was very clear that these were temporary changes.

"I need to be really clear on this one. I have never had any discussions with anyone about closing Grantham Hospital. I am not aware of anyone who has had these discussions."

"We do not support the closure of Grantham Hospital. I do hear people raise this in public. I am sorry if our unequivocal rejection doesn't fit the narrative of you and others. Grantham Hospital is not closing."

Health campaigner Sue McQuinn asked when a quarterly review would be published on the changes that took place at the hospital.

Chief Operating Officer Simon Evans said there were still 4-5 days until the end of the quarter and the review would be published on the ULHT website several days before a trust board meeting on October 6.

Health campaigner Jody Clark asked about investment at Grantham Hospital.

She was told the trust has spent £4.5M on infrastructure, such as fire doors and LED lighting, which was making corridors brighter and safer.

The trust was also in the process of installing an MRI scanner and new CT scanner amid other pieces of medical equipment.

Grantham district and county councillor Ray Wootten asked about bullying at the trust.

Director of People and Organisational Development for ULHT, Martin Rayson, replied the trust has zero tolerance for bullying and racial harassment.

Programmes are underway to address these concerns, including working with a Black and Minority Ethnic Network on a programme to address cultural differences.

Mr Rayson said it was inevitable there would be some cases out of 8,000 staff.

Whilst the number of complaints has risen over the past six months, he saw this as a good sign as people felt it easier to complain.

CEO Andrew Morgan added: "Bullying has no place in the trust. It's something we will not tolerate."