A hospital still cannot take in-patients after a second search for a doctor ended in failure. Second interviews were set up to vet candidates for the staff grade doctor role at St Barnabas Hospital in Saltash on November 15 but three of the four applicants withdrew before then – and the fourth was found to be unsuitable for the position. Lyn Manuell, interim director for provider services for the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Primary Care Trust, said: 'We are very disappointed not to have been able to recruit a staff grade doctor for St Barnabas Hospital after the second recruitment drive. We have a responsibility to ensure that people in our care receive safe, high quality care, which includes support and care from a doctor whilst they are in hospital. Closure 'Since we have been unable to make an appointment, we will therefore be continuing with the temporary closure of the in-patient beds.' Trish Cooper, locality manager for East Cornwall and a member of the interview panel, added: 'Unfortunately, we were unable to appoint on November 15. 'The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Primary Care Trust will be re-advertising this vacancy with immediate effect and I will ensure that the process is expedited to support the re-opening of the in- patient area as soon as possible.' The position will be re-advertised and interviews are planned for January. The minor injury unit, out-patients department and the minor surgery unit remain open as normal. The decision was taken to temporarily close the in- patient beds at St Barnabas Hospital at the beginning of June, due to the sudden resignation of the staff grade doctor. The post was immediately advertised and candidates were interviewed in July. One candidate was offered the post but decided not to take up the offer.