Standish Site Saved (From Stroud News and Journal)

Standish Site Saved

CAMPAIGNERS are celebrating the news that Standish Hospital has received government backing to be used as a healing centre.

A report commissioned by consultant Karin Von-deegenburg was revealed to a packed audience at St Joseph's Church Hall in Oldends Lane Stonehouse on Friday night.

The meeting had been called by the SOSAG-Save Our Standish Action Group.

The last of the services from the hospital will be transferred to the Gloucester Royal Hospital site in 2004

However, campaigners feel the unique facilities that Standish offers should be used as a healing centre and they are delighted to have government backing.

"We are thrilled. It is better than winning the lottery," said chairman of Save Our Standish, Nigel Davey.

"We have saved the day and the bottom line is it will be self funding from within the community, like a co-operative society. The local feeling is to use it as a day care health site."

Ten years ago the Save Our Standish raised a petition of more than 40,000 names that was presented to the House of Commons to try and stop the closure.

The hospital became a Red Cross hospital during the First World War and, when peace came, was used to treat patients with tuberculosis.