North East Herts MP Oliver Heald has written to both the Chief Executive of NHS Hertfordshire, Dr Jane Halpin, and the Chair of CATCH, Dr Geraldine Linehan, pressing them for firm assurance that the capital generated by the enabling development will indeed be invested in health facilities in the town.
It was stated in the Royston Hospital Design Requirements, (directing the activity of Hertfordshire County Council and NHS Hertfordshire Estate Team’s Joint Management Group for the development of the Hospital site) that informal discussions with officers of the local planning authority had been held and it had been indicated "that a health/social care facility to replace the existing building together with enabling development, could receive planning permission. This was on the basis that:
- a sustainable case supported by evidence that the current facilities are obsolete is made, which is satisfactory to the local planning authority;
- the buildings are designed appropriate to the setting and planning policies relevant to the site;
- the capital generated by the enabling development is invested in health facilities in Royston and
- all other conditions of the statutory authorities are met."
Commenting, Oliver Heald said, "The building of a £1million extension at the Health Centre and a new Care Home also with NHS beds at London Road is a welcome investment in the town, but it is important that these two new builds provide for Royston's future healthcare needs.
"I am therefore continuing to press NHS Hertfordshire and CATCH, for their assurance that the capital generated by the enabling development, as stated in the Design Requirements, is invested in health facilities in Royston."
ENDS
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