£27m Ludlow hospital deal struck

Health chiefs have struck a deal over the sale of a piece of land in Ludlow which will pave the way for a new £27 million hospital, it was today revealed.

A site at Ludlow Eco Business Park is to be sold to Shropshire County Primary Care Trust by Shropshire Council, subject to final negotiations.

The proposed new hospital will include GP services and more diagnostic and treatment facilities, including ultrasound scanning, chemotherapy and minor surgery.

It would replace the town's community hospital on Gravel Hill.

The decision to sell the land was made by Shropshire Council cabinet on Wednesday in closed session.

The news was today welcomed by Ludlow Hospital League of Friends.

Peter Corfield, chairman of the Friends, said: "It was a potential fly in the ointment, but I'm glad that agreement has been reached at long last on a site."

Stuart Rees, director of finance and performance at Shropshire County PCT, said: "The PCT is very pleased that Shropshire Council has agreed to sell a site at the Eco Park in Ludlow to us.

"This is our preferred site for the development of a new community hospital for Ludlow and the surrounding areas, but this will still be subject to the agreement of the West Midlands Strategic Health Authority.

"So whilst it is an encouraging next step in the development of the project, we need to see if we get this important next approval."

The strategic health authority will meet on Tuesday to consider the sale.

The cost of the sale has not been disclosed for reasons of commercial confidentiality.

Mr Corfield added: "We look forward to final approval by the SHA on October 19.

"I think it's imperative that we provide a wider range of services closer to home than is currently the case."

Dr Graham Cook, a partner at Station Drive surgery in Ludlow, which would be incorporated into the new facility, said: "We are very pleased that agreement has been reached regarding our preferred site, it's good news."

By Hannah Costigan