A final decision on plans for an £8.5 million hospital in Bishop’s Castle will be made before spring. The plans have been submitted by Coverage Care.
The not-for-profit heal- th company, wants to redevelop the town’s Stone House hospital and care home.
It is waiting for Shropshire Primary Care Trust to reach a final decision.
The plans were drawn up this year, but have been hit by delays, which could increase the cost of the project.
Complicated funding arrangements mean the PCT could be hit with a £700,000 impairment charge from the Treasury.
Such a charge would have a direct impact on the PCT’s finances.
Coverage Care spokesman Roy Broad said: “Further delays on the decision to develop of Bishop’s Castle Community Hospital frustrate the plans proposed by Coverage Care.
“After months of delay, the final decision by Shropshire PCT on the £8.5 million proposal from Coverage Care to redevelop the Stone House hospital site at Bishop’s Castle and provide a range of community health care services, is expected soon.
“Having rejected other ideas, the PCT has indicated a preference for the Coverage Care proposal for a new hospital on the existing site.
“That would guarantee between 12 and 15 free GP-supervised nursing beds, as well as 15 beds for nursing care, 15 social care beds and a 15-bed unit for the elderly, mentally infirm and respite care.”
The hospital could also lead to a new GP satellite surgery, a dental practice and other community health care and outpatient facilities.
The PCT was unavailable for comment today
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