MINISTER'S STATEMENT KEEPS DOOR OPEN FOR NEW COMMUNITY HOSPITAL FOR MALVERN

12.41.02pm GMT Tue 13th Mar 2007

West Worcestershire's Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate, Richard Burt has welcomed a statement from Health Minister, Andy Burnham MP which has kept the door open for a new Community Hospital in Malvern following the merger of the South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust last October

Mr Burt, who delivered a petition from West Worcestershire residents to Whitehall calling for a share of the £750 million community hospitals fund for Malvern, has welcomed assurances from the Minster that, as long as the business case for the hospital remains robust, the strategic health authority will work with the newly formed Worcestershire PCT to secure the capital funding necessary to build the hospital, including the opportunity to bid against the community hospitals fund.

Richard Burt said:

"This is encouraging news for Malvern. Despite the financial difficulties faced by the PCT, there is a clear case to be made for a new, purpose built hospital to serve the town and the surrounding area.

"A successful bid against the community hospitals fund would mean less debt to service and therefore lower running costs, making it possible to provide an affordable, purpose built replacement hospital.

"I am confident that the PCT will be able to make a strong case for the new hospital as part of its financial and service plans for 2007-8, and hope that Government will finally put their money where their mouth is and provide the necessary support for capital funding to make it happen.

"After thirty years of knocking on the door, Malvern should now be top of the Government's list of priorities."

Ends.

Editors note:

Hansard extract: Andy Burnham: NHS West Midlands will be agreeing with Worcestershire Primary Care Trust (PCT), in the light of its service and financial plans for 2007-08 onwards (to be finalised by the end of March 2007), the continued applicability and robustness of the business case for a new community hospital in Malvern. If the case remains strong and the PCT can demonstrate affordability and value for money, then the strategic health authority will work with the PCT to secure capital funding by whichever route is most appropriate and expeditious, including the opportunity to bid against the national £750 million community hospitals fund. 9 Mar 2007 : Column 2295W