Takeover fight calls in experts

Wednesday 28th February 2007, 10:47AM GMT.

Health campaigners fighting to take over the running of Ludlow Hospital were today meeting with experts to formulate a detailed plan.

Consultants have 35 days from now to come up with a viable outline business plan, which would see the hospital taken over by the community.

Shropshire County Primary Care Trust, in partnership with South Shropshire District Council and Ludlow Hospital’s League of Friends, has appointed management consultants Durrow to undertake a feasibility study.

Today Peter Corfield, chairman of the League of Friends, said: “I am meeting with Durrow today to work on the plan. We have about 35 days left to come up with the outline business plan, which will be presented to the primary care trust, the council and our members.

“Providing it meets all the wishes of the various parties it will then be worked into a formal plan and then we will be in a position to apply for funding.”

The Friends of Ludlow Hospital hope the report will pave the way for a £10 million revamp of the hospital. New GP surgeries, wards and treatment centres would open at the hospital as part of the plan.

The feasibility study will explore how to provide the highest possible standard of care by developing existing services and providing additional ones on one site.

Health managers hope there will be greater integration between primary, acute, social and voluntary sectors.

View more: South Shropshire news.