TWO new hi-tech hospitals may soon be up and running in Worcestershire after being given the green light this week.

In Pershore local people could benefit from expanded medical services with proposals to replace the local cottage hospital and heath centre with a more modern facility at the civic centre site.

The development was picked yesterday by the South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust (PCT) out of a total of six options.

It is now hoped that the scheme, which will be built by Wychavon District Council and leased back to the trust for 25 years, will pass the final hurdle of being rubber-stamped by the West Midlands South Strategic Health Authority later this year.

If given the go-ahead, the facility will include 26 beds, an extended physiotherapy department, and an occupational therapy service.

"Clearly there are many benefits to the proposal, not least that it is affordable, offers great value for money, and will facilitate an increase in bed provision," said David Moon, PCT director of finance and commissioning.

"It will also see a greater rehabilitation focus and a more flexible use of beds. It is good for the whole of South Worcestershire."

The proposal aims to help pay off some of the Trust's £5.5m debts, and has been hailed by West Worcestershire MP, Sir Michael Spicer.

"This has been a long struggle and victory is in sight. It's essential that the Strategic Health Authority makes it decision immediately," he said.

"The money is there and the goodwill is there - all we need now is for the SHA to push the final button."

A similar development could also be seen in Malvern in the near future.

Malvern Hills District Council met with representatives from the South Worcestershire PCT earlier in the week and both parties decided that a new hospital on the Seaford Court site was a good idea.

It is now up to a project team to come up with a business plan, which they hope to present to the Strategic Health Authority in October.