Nigel Evans, Member of Parliament for the Ribble Valley, has tabled an Early Day Motion on the subject of the regeneration of Clitheroe Community Hospital: EDM 936 – Clitheroe Community Hospital That this House notes that East Lancashire NHS Teaching Primary Care Trust (PCT) made a pledge to expand Clitheroe Community Hospital on 29th January 2008; further notes that the agreed budget for the scheme was £12million for the building, that further monies were set aside for additional services and that work was due to commence in the summer of 2009; understands that on 6th May 2009 the proposal for a new £15.5million community hospital in Clitheroe was put before the NHS North West board meeting and approved subject to caveats; further understands that work began on time; is concerned that the renovation was stopped in November 2009 and has not continued since; notes that the PCT has said that the future of the hospital may be a matter for discussion at a forthcoming board meeting in March 2010; and calls on the Government to intervene urgently to ensure that the new hospital goes ahead. Mr Evans also raised the issue today at Business Questions to the Leader of the House of Commons. Mr Evans said, “Can we have a debate on the future of community hospitals? I am baffled because the people of Clitheroe were promised a new community hospital in January 2008, in May 2009 £15.5 million was found to pay for the project but by November 2009 the building work was frozen because of a lack of money.” After leaving the Chamber, Mr Evans added, “I do feel that it is vitally important that this work is completed. It would regenerate a fantastic community facility and provide a much needed local service. I hope that the situation is resolved as quickly as possible and that the people of the Ribble Valley receive the new community hospital that they were promised.” |