Go ahead given for delayed multi-million pound hospital project in Market Harborough (High Peak Liberal Democrats)

Go ahead given for delayed multi-million pound hospital project in Market Harborough

January 25, 2015 2:15 PM
By Tim Healy in Leicester Mercury
Originally published by East Midlands Liberal Democrats

The NHS has approved the £7.8 million business case for new hospital buildings at St Luke's Hospital in Market Harborough.

The project represents one of the largest single investments in health care facilities seen in Leicestershire in recent times and will provide first class, modern health care facilities.

Approval for the delayed scheme was granted last week by the board of NHS Property Services.

Regional director Martin Royal said: "This is fantastic news for the people of Market Harborough. They've been waiting a long time to know what will happen to local health services and this is a major step forward

The purpose built hospital on Leicester Road will provide the best health facilities available."

The announcement has been warmly welcomed by health campaigner Phil Knowles who has been working for more than 25 years to see better community hospital services in the town.

Mr Knowles said: "'The people of Harborough have waited so long for this new community hospital facility. They have backed the campaign every step of the way and now finally it seems they will have the facility which is richly deserved and much anticipated.''

He added: "There is still a way to go but hopefully the contractors will shortly be on board and the scheme, delayed on so many occasions will finally proceed."

Blake Pain, leader of Harborough District Council, said: "I am pleased the business case has been approved. It is a positive step forward and I hope it goes some way to allaying concerns about health provision in light of proposed new housing to the north west of Market Harborough.

"We're all aware of the history regarding a new hospital for the town, and it's imperative this project is delivered by NHS Property Services, as promised, for the benefit of local residents."

Dr David Sharp, director of commissioning operations for NHS England (Central Midlands), said: "All of the NHS partners involved in this project are aware of the long history behind it.

"I am delighted that this significant investment is finally getting off the drawing board and we look forward to working closely with the local community and the council to bring these plans to fruition."

St Luke's Hospital currently houses NHS services such as stroke rehabilitation, palliative care and endoscopy.

Other local services including minor injuries, radiography and ultrasound, outpatient facilities for rehabilitation, speech and language, and some specialist services are provided from the District Hospital on Coventry Road.

These services will transfer to the new development at St Luke's.

Karen English, interim managing director for East Leicestershire and Rutland Clinical Commissioning Group, said: "We are delighted that the business case has been approved and that work can now get underway at St Luke's.

"There will be a wide range of services available for local people enhanced by the addition of purpose built facilities for an urgent care centre and GP practice as well as space for mental health services. "We believe the development will be of great benefit to the community and to local healthcare."

A contract will now be issued to Morgan Sindall of Birmingham who will complete the build.

Contracts must be agreed and signed before work is anticipated to start in late spring. The new St Luke's hospital is expected to open in the summer of 2016.

* NHS Property Services are working with NHS England, the CCG, Harborough District Council and the local community to ensure the protection and preservation of the war memorial currently situated at the Coventry Road site.

Andy Donoghue, Regional Programme Manager for NHS Property Services said: "We understand how important the memorial is to local people and we are committed to its preservation. If the commissioners declare the building surplus to requirements we will make it a condition of sale that any future developer should preserve and maintain public access to the monument. We are currently working with councilors and officers from Harborough District Council and English Heritage to determine the options for how the war memorial can best be protected for future generations."

* Sept 2000: Health chiefs announce £9.5million hospital extension at St Luke's

June 2001: Health chiefs say it could be at least three years before work starts.

July 2003: The Melton Rutland and Harborough Primary Care Trust given permission to explore building a £20.5 million new hospital instead.

July 2003 to March 2007: various schemes, including a £24million hospital, examined and rejected.

April 2007: Leicestershire County and Rutland Primary Care Trust abandons plans for £30million private finance initiative-funded scheme just before work was due to start.

April 2007: A £10 million extension proposed.

October 2011: A £6 million NHS-funded hospital extension to go ahead.

September 2013: Revised bid for hospital projected launched.

January 2015: Business plan for £7.8million scheme approved.