Torrington Hospital to close 10 inpatient beds
Campaigners have lost their fight to save 10 inpatient beds at a community hospital in north Devon.
Protestors have opposed plans of treating patients at home rather than Great Torrington Community Hospital.
The NEW Devon Clinical Commissioning Group (NEW Devon CCG) said a trial of community care in the town was a success.
The committee's unanimous decision was made at a meeting held at the Assembly Rooms in South Molton.
Hospital provider Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust decided to close the beds on Tuesday.
Chairman Dr John Womersley said: "We're absolutely sure we've made the right decision.
"There is no doubt we can't afford both services so we have had to choose a service that can care for the most number of people and provide the most number of visits in the best clinical way."
Campaigners have said they are "very upset" about the decision and plan to "fight on".