Press Release
Contact: Richard Burt 07970 713 032
Embargo: Immediate 13th March 2007
MINISTER’S STATEMENT KEEPS DOOR OPEN FOR NEW COMMUNITY HOSPITAL FOR MALVERN
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
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