WORK on a new hospital for Malvern is expected to begin at the end of 2004, according to the chief executive of the South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust.

An attempt to speed progress on plans for the hospital, to be built at Seaford Court in Worcester Road, was made this week by West Worcestershire MP Sir Michael Spicer.

In a letter to PCT chairman David Barlow, Sir Michael said that it was essential that work on the site began in the spring.

He said he had been told by PCT chief executive Mike Ridley that the trust would be in a position to agree a building programme and business plan at its December meeting.

If these plans are passed, they will be sent to the Strategic Health Authority for approval in January.

Sir Michael said: "I've been involved with plans for the hospital for 25 years.

"We managed to secure this site at Seaford Court and this was a big victory, but since then there has been a lot of faffing about and hyperbole.

"My letter was a report of the conversation that took place between myself and Mr Ridley and I hoped that by clarifying what was said, solid plans for the hospital would materialise.

"I want to make sure that the situation is brought to a head and we see progress."

The hospital, which is expected to cost £13 million, has been the subject of much debate over the last two decades and progress has been slow.

Mr Ridley said the situation was fraught with complications, but confirmed that he believed that what was discussed with Sir Michael would go ahead, albeit slightly later than the MP expect.

He said: "As far as we're concerned, if everything goes smoothly, we can expect to see work begin at the end of next year."