Bucks campaigners back 'super hospital' idea (From Bucks Free Press)

Wycombe Hospital campaigners back 'super hospital' idea

10:30pm Tuesday 24th July 2012 in News By Lawrence Dunhill

BUCKS health campaigners tonight voiced their support for an MP’s proposals for a ‘super hospital’ to serve the Thames Valley area.

About 60 people attended at meeting in Bracknell tonight, where Dr Phillip Lee’s plans were given a mixed reaction.

Some objected that the plan would bring the closure of Heatherwood Hospital in nearby Ascot, but two hardened Wycombe Hospital campaigners urged them to put local loyalties aside and help form a regional campaign.

Terry Price and John Barlow, both from Marlow, said they backed Dr Lee and would do all they could to build a ‘groundswell of support’ for the idea.

The Conservative MP for Bracknell has produced a 66-page report which calls for a ‘Royal Thames Valley Hospital’ to be built at Junction 8/9 of the M4 motorway – which is about 20 minutes drive from High Wycombe.

He says the £750m facility could be financed largely by selling off parts of existing hospital sites including Wycombe, Wexham Park and Heatherwood.

This is likely to be hugely controversial in south Buckinghamshire, though Wycombe Hospital has already lost key services such as A&E and inpatient maternity wards, meaning many patients now have to travel to Aylesbury.

Dr Lee said he will be holding several more meetings around the area, including in High Wycombe and Marlow.

See Friday’s BFP for a full report.