HEALTH bosses have said they want a replacement Wharfedale General Hospital up and running by July 2002.

The United Leeds Teaching Hospitals' Trust has just published its new Outline Business Case for a replacement Wharfedale General Hospital.

The Trust hopes to start public consultations on the document between May and August.

So far, the reaction has been favourable. Otley GP and Liberal-Democrat councillor Graham Kirkland, said he was supporting the outline business case.

"The proposals include a 50 per cent increase in outpatient provision, as well as more investigative work.

"I will be supporting these proposals and I welcome them, although I would have liked to see acute medicine provision retained," he added.

Phil Coyne, deputy leader of Otley Town Council, also welcomed the outline business case.

He said: "The range of services I think, is what we wanted, except for the question over the clinical team (acute medicine).

"I am concerned about what will happen to people who have an acute medical need, like a heart attack, because the first 15 minutes are vital."

Coun Coyne said he had raised the issue of acute medicine provision with the Leeds Community Health Council.

"I have asked them in find out the best practise for people suffering with a heart attack," he added.

Coun Coyne said he felt the Trust had recognised the political pressure which had been put on them by the town council, MPs and from members of the community, through the Wharfedale Hospital campaign.

"I think we all deserve a pat on the back for our efforts. The fact that the Trust has given a date for when it hopes to have an operational hospital up and running is good news," he added.

Medical provision at Wharfedale General Hospital now has to fit within the changed status of health care in Leeds - caused by the approved merger of the United Leeds and St James' Teaching Hospital Trusts.

The new Wharfedale Hospital will be developed along the principles of the community facilities model introduced by Leeds Health Authority, providing locally-based secondary medical services including outpatient, minor surgery, diagnostic and therapy services.

Building a new Wharfedale General Hospital will cost between £11m to £12m, and is likely to be paid for with private money.

Kevin Westwood, who led the team which has developed the business case, said: "Healthcare services in the Wharfedale area are in urgent need of development to meet changing needs and to provide accommodation capable of supporting care into the next century.

"The development of Wharfedale is seen as a key element in the Trust's own estate strategy, which seeks to established a hub and spoke framework to provide local services where appropriate and assist the decongestion of the LGI site," he added.

The outline business case goes to the Northern and Yorkshire Regional NHS Executive for approval at the end of this month. If the executive accepts the Trust's proposals, approval could be given by May.

The Trust will then hold a public consultation period and will begin looking for private finance initiative partners in October.

Work on the new hospital could begin by April 2000.

l Let us know what you think. Write to the Wharfedale Observer at 9 Orchard Gate, Otley, LS21 3MX giving us your views.

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