CAMPAIGNERS for a new Ludlow Hospital were celebrating this week after news that plans for the new £27million healthcare ‘village’ development have finally been approved in principle by area health chiefs.
Plans for the health care centre moved a step closer to fruition with news that the West Midlands Strategic Health Authority had approved the strategic outline case from Shropshire County Primary Care Trust This gives the green light for the PCT to develop a full business case – the next stage required for such a scheme.
Subject to further approvals, building work could start in early 2012 on the new hospital and replacement premises for Ludlow’s two GP surgeries on a site at the Eco Park.
The regional authority has approved £2million of public funding and is working with the PCT to identify options for the remaining funding, likely to be via partnership with an approved private developer through a national scheme called Express Lift.
Shropshire County PCT Chief Executive, Jo Chambers said: “It is great news that our outline case has been approved and a credit to everyone whose efforts have got us here. This is where the hard work really begins, with lots of detailed planning needed to get us through the next stage of the approvals process.”
Peter Corfield, chairman of the hospital League of Friends said: “At long last this is a step in the right direction! The League welcomes the SHA decision which recognises the real need for better facilities in south west Shropshire.
“There is still a mountain of detail to be finalised – and we do have some issues to sort out with the PCT. We will be looking for much more evidence to support any changes in in-patient beds, for instance, and we will also be pursuing the need for renal dialysis and outreach chemotherapy to be incorporated and provided locally.
“We must ensure that the new facility will serve this locality for the forseeable future,” he added.
Ludlow MP Philip Dunne, who has always supported Ludlow Hospital said: “This is excellent news. Ludlow Community Hospital has been the poor relation of Shropshire’s community hospitals for years.
“While there is much hard work to be done, this decision offers the prospect for 21st century healthcare services in 21st century facilities for residents around Ludlow.”