THE leader of Malvern Hills District Council, Tom Wells, is demanding a new hospital timetable be drawn up in return for providing land for an ultra-modern health complex.

Speaking to members of South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust yesterday, he outlined the council's approval to build a new medical centre at its Pickersleigh Road depot.

But he asked for assurances that headway be made on rebuilding the community hospital at Seaford Court, which has been standing unused for 24 years.

"We (the council) have been working very hard to help you find a location for a health centre and these two acres of land on our depot site are well placed to serve the community," said Coun Wells.

Strict

"But this offer is under strict condition of establishing a timetable for a new Malvern community hospital.

"People have been waiting 25 years for a hospital. It is high time we resolved this issue, and with this partnership, I feel we can do so."

Trust chief executive, Mike Ridley, confirmed the depot site was the PCT's preferred development option and said he was keen to support both projects.

"I hope the council would accept we are equally determined to pursue both options, but on different time scales," he said.

"There are lots of hurdles to go through and lots of issues to overcome, both for us and the council. We are anxious to press forward quickly and it is important we establish a project team."

Pat Merrick, chairman of the friends of Malvern Hospital, speaking at the meeting, said she was heartened by the positive talk coming from both sides.

"We've been waiting almost 25 years for a new hospital and now is the time to get on with it," she said.

In his chief executive's report, Mr Ridley said any hospital development would involve a business plan and formal proposal being submitted to the Strategic Health Authority.

The PCT also believes a private/independent sector partner would be needed to develop the facility.

If a suitable partner can be found during early 2004, on the basis of a commissioning period of 18 months, the new hospital could be operational by 2006.