One of the busiest wards at Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital will be closed over summer, because the state government cannot afford to keep it open.

The decision to close the ward was made before the federal election, but staff were told on Tuesday.

The Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital Credit:Michelle Smith

Senior staff received an email from the Brisbane North Hospital and Health Service on Tuesday informing them the 20-bed ward, on the top floor of the RBWH, will close in a fortnight.

They were told not to talk about the closure. On Friday morning, this was rejected by RBWH executive director Keshwar Baboolal.