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A NEW hospital and medical centre is on the cards for Tewkesbury.

A centre including surgeries for all three GP practices, a pharmacy and possibly a dentist are already under consideration - with the former MAFF site at the rear of Morrison's supermarket a possible location.

The summer floods, which lead to patients being evacuated from the hospital have led the Gloucester Primary Care Trust to look at the situation again.

On March 27 the PCT board will consider potential next steps, including a project which could lead to a new hospital and primary care (GP) facility in the town.

Chief executive Jan Stubbings said: "Despite the wonderful work of the staff the summer floods reinforced the need to ensure that in the future local patients benefit from continuity of services and do not suffer disruption when they need care and treatment.

She added that they were looking closely at how best to support even closer working between GPS, community teams, hospital and voluntary services.

"This joined up approach to care and treatment is what local patients tell us works well for them and this will be an important factor as we plan for the future," she said adding that the project is at a very early stage, but if agreement is reached to go ahead the local community and hospital staff should be fully involved in the planning.

Paul Sinnott, of the Tewkesbury Hospital League of Friends said: "Whatever happens it has got to be good for Tewkesbury.

"If the hospital stays where it is they will put more services in - if it moves they will put even more services in - either way they are showing a commitment to Tewkesbury Hospital."

7:14am Wednesday 26th March 2008

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