New Health Centre and Hospital "On The Way" say Lib Dems

12.42.24pm GMT Tue 14th Dec 2004

Simon Hughes MP (second left), President of the Liberal Democrats, and Cllr Tom Wells view plans at the depot site with council employees.

Plans for a new Health Centre and Community Hospital are gathering momentum. Last year, the Liberal Democrats offered health bosses part of the Malvern Hills District Council depot site in Pickersleigh Road for a new modern Health Centre. The centre will provide a wide range of care under one roof. In return, the Council got a firm commitment from the South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust (PCT) that a new Community Hospital will be built for Malvern.

Throughout the year, the Council has been preparing to transfer its waste management services from the depot to an industrial estate out of the town. It has also commissioned site surveys and contamination reports of the depot. There have been regular meetings with the site developers McAlpine, and plans for the Health Centre are well advanced. They include adequate car parking on-site, and a new roundabout at the access onto Pickersleigh Road.

In November, the PCT asked if the Council could allocate the entire depot site (4.5 acres) for health care provision. This would allow the possibility of providing the new Community Hospital at the same location. The PCT believe that this may bring benefits of economies of scale and truly integrated modern health care. On November 9th, the Council agreed in principle but insisted that the hospital, whether at the depot or the original site at Seaford Court in Malvern Link, must go ahead as quickly as possible.

The PCT now intends to consult the public on the specification and location of the new hospital. It will then submit a proposal for approval by the Strategic Health Authority. Lib Dem Council Leader, Tom Wells, says: "We are nearing the end of the journey, but crucially, the necessary approval and funding for the new hospital will be dependent on the quality of the case presented to the SHA in the Spring. I am resolute that we shall get our new hospital whether it is at Seaford Court or, with the new Health Centre, at the old council depot."

Local Lib Dem Health spokesperson, Penelope Morgan says, "I congratulate the District Council on the initiative it has taken in securing improved health facilities in Malvern. We shall not only have a wonderful new Health Centre, but also an enhanced Community Hospital to serve the town."