Shortlist of potential sites for new hospital

20 August 2001

Alternative potential sites for Sudbury’s new community hospital were discussed at a meeting of the committee steering the redevelopment of health services in Sudbury on Thursday 16 August.

In June the Steed brothers announced they would be renewing their legal objection to the proposed site for the hospital, Harps Close Meadow, which they believe is a town green. As a result the West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust, which is leading the project, cannot obtain any public or private finance as the HM Treasury and private sector funders now regard the scheme as too risky.

Determined that a community hospital will be built in Sudbury the Steering Group, comprising representatives from Suffolk Health Authority, Bury St Edmunds Primary Care Group, Local Health Partnerships and West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trusts, Social Services, GPs and the Community Health Council, met and agreed to look for alternative sites. It was also agreed to work on the removal of any legal impediment affecting the Harps Close Meadow site.

Percival & Co, Chartered Surveyors were appointed and worked with Babergh District Council to identify alternative sites for the hospital in Sudbury. Seventeen potential sites were put forward which included land proposed by the Steed Brothers.

Progress is being made to produce a shortlist of the best potential sites from the 17 put forward. Work is also in hand to secure the existing site at Harps Close Meadow by replacing the boundary fencing.

“Everyone concerned is keen to move as quickly as possible on this but at the same time it is important that we have more detailed discussions on the shortlisted sites before a final decision is taken,” said Jan Bloomfield, Director of Personnel and West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust’s representative on the Steering Group.