LIB DEMS CALL FOR DECISION DATE ON NEW HOSPITAL

8.26.00pm GMT Mon 27th Nov 2006

Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Health, Norman Lamb MP has today tabled a parliamentary question to Ministers demanding a decision date for funding for a new Community Hospital in Malvern.

The move follows a request from West Worcestershire's Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate, Richard Burt after a meeting with Worcestershire Primary Care Trust's Chief Executive, Paul Bates.

Mr Burt was told that the £17 million capital investment needed to build the long-awaited hospital at the Seaford Court site in Malvern could be secured by Christmas.

Norman Lamb MP said:

"Following my visit to the county this month, I am convinced there is a very strong case for a new community hospital in Malvern. Worcestershire Primary Care Trust has a well developed business plan and deserves full support from the £150million of funds allocated by Government to support community hospital projects.

"However, it is very important that this decision is not delayed by civil servants in Whitehall or left sitting on a Minister's desk.

"Local residents, hospital staff and all involved in taking the project forward deserve to have a date when they will know the outcome of the bid. That is why I have asked when we will get a decision on all bids in this round of applications."

Richard Burt said:

"Malvern residents have seen so many broken promises and so many false dawns on the new hospital.

"But for the first time in a decade, it seems that the PCT is within touching distance of the money it needs.

"If the PCT bid is successful, then local people can look forward to the improvement in local hospital services that many have been working towards for the past thirty years.

"All of us in the Malvern district will now hold our breath in the hope that we get a decision date for an early Christmas present from the Treasury!"