Last-ditch bid to save hospital plan (From Thurrock Gazette)

Last-ditch bid to save hospital plan

7:30am Monday 25th February 2013 in News

COUNCILLORS will have one last-ditch attempt to try and get a new community hospital in Grays.

Plans for the £40million hospital, originally due to be open in April 2012, were ditched in December after NHS South West Essex admitted it had been axed after they were forced to make cuts of £52million.

The now-defunct Thurrock Thames Gateway Develop-ment Corporation bought the site in Hogg Lane, Grays, for the new hospital.

Cllr Barbara Rice, speaking at the council’s recent cabinet meeting, pictured, urged councillors to try one last time to get some sort of healthcare service on the site.

She said: “I think it is worth another further push from us to see if we can get some provision on that site – albeit not the hospital.

“I think it is worth a second shot and not just giving up at the first hurdle.”

Plans for the hospital were created in 2006 and it was given the go-ahead in 2008. The current community hospital, in Long Lane, Grays, was deemed as not capable of meeting the needs of the town.

It was also planned to take some of the pressure off the failing Basildon Hospital.

Andy Smith, councillor responsible for regeneration, also pictured, agreed and said he would be happy to take it to the PCT.

He said: “Let’s be honest – they don’t have the money.

“Whether it is required or not, or we need it or not, the PCT or the Government doesn’t have the money. We do need another hospital. I am happy with that suggestion.”