NHS revives Oak Park plan
TEN months ago it looked as if all was lost when the axe fell on plans for a £38million community hospital in Havant.
After 20 years of debate, plans and consultations the hopes of residents were dashed when NHS Hampshire revealed they did not have the money to build Oak Park Community Hospital.
But the public refused to give up hope of having a much-needed community hospital and it now looks as though they will get everything they had hoped for and more.
NHS Hampshire is now planning to offer all services the hospital would have had in the under-used Oak Park Children's Unit – except endoscopy.
There will also be 30 beds for older people with mental health problems and up to 30 beds to replace those at Havant War Memorial Hospital which will close.
And under proposals set to be put before the NHS Hampshire Board in September, there will also be a nursing home built next to it run in partnership between Hampshire County Council and NHS Hampshire.
It will mean 24-hour care for elderly people – including those from Hayling - who need support, but are able to live on their own.
Leigh Park county councillor Ann Buckley, said: "I feel this is an innovative proposal from NHS Hampshire that would keep the older people's beds locally, and at the same time bringing the mental health beds closer to people's homes here in the Havant area - and in a modern setting.
"It would also create on the Oak Park site some extra care housing which is a model of sheltered housing offering 24-hour care, which works well for older people who need care and support - but are still able to live in their own home."
Since the hospital plans were dropped last year, thousands of people have signed petitions urging NHS Hampshire to provide services in Havant.
Workshops have been held to brainstorm different ideas.
Hampshire County councillor, Liz Fairhurst, who sits on the panel which scrutinises the plans, said: "It looked very bleak back in September but we have come a long way.
"If we keep progressing we will end up with a facility to be really proud. I'm keeping my fingers crossed."
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Weather for Hayling
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
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Temperature: 13 C to 25 C
Wind Speed: 22 mph
Wind direction: East
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