Christopher Fraser, MP for South West Norfolk, has welcomed an assurance from the Chairman of NHS Norfolk, Sheila Childerhouse, on future funding for Swaffham Community Hospital.
Christopher Fraser has been leading the campaign to maintain intermediate care services in the town. Following a review last year, NHS Norfolk (formerly Norfolk PCT) has been working with local stakeholders to gain a full understanding of health needs in west Norfolk, before deciding how to move forward for the longer-term. The possibility of building a new, larger community hospital in Swaffham has been considered among the options. Christopher Fraser has now been told that the findings of the review will be considered by NHS Norfolk at its July board meeting.
Christopher Fraser said, “NHS Norfolk has told me that the board paper has been delayed until July to ensure that they have a full and comprehensive understanding of all the factors, including the county context, the finances and the future needs of the population.
“In reply to my continued concern for the future, the Chairman, Sheila Childerhouse, has written to me to give me a categorical assurance that “if the outcome of the work we have been undertaking concerning the future of intermediate case in Swaffham should not result in the building of a new unit at this point in time, we would continue to support the current facility”. Mrs Childerhouse has also paid tribute to the excellent and good-value care offered by Swaffham Community Hospital.
I am very grateful for this straight-forward statement, which I know will also be welcomed by the community of Swaffham and surrounding villages. Our fears that support would be withdrawn and the hospital closed has been addressed.
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