Hospitals – the saga continues – slowly!

Ken Gilchrist

The building of the new ‘Oak Park’ hospital in Havant has been delayed and completion is now scheduled for 2008.

The agreement (and therefore publishing) of the next set of schemes for East Hants Primary Care Trust (EHPCT) has also been delayed, and is now expected early next year. EHPCT confirm that the provision of a Primary Care Centre for Emsworth (on the site of the Emsworth Victoria Cottage Hospital) remains on the list of proposed schemes.

EHPCT also confirm that they will not close the Emsworth Cottage Hospital until the new hospital in Havant opens – but now with one caveat. Because of the Havant delay, it may be that beds are available at the proposed new unit at Emsworth House before Oak Park Hospital opens. If this happens, Emsworth Cottage Hospital may close before the Havant Hospital opens, but only after the new Emsworth House beds are available.

BUT – planning approval for the Emsworth House ‘extension’, although still expected, has not yet been formally granted! Keep reading The EMS and keep an eye on the ERA Notice Board at ‘the Co-op’. As soon as news is available, we will let you know.