Standish plan is abandoned (From Stroud News and Journal)

Standish plan is abandoned

STANDISH Hospital campaigners have slammed the Government's decision to abandon plans to turn the site into a groundbreaking community health centre.

After a three-year battle and investments of more than £100,000, Standish Mutual Care heard this week that its bid has been unsuccessful.

The group was previously described as 'preferred bidders' to clinch the 31-acre site - where they hoped to work with a range of none-profit making organisations.

But the scheme was turned down due to a lack of financial planning. SMC leader Dr Karin von Degenberg blasted the claims, saying its proposals fell in line with Government requirements and had just been approved by the Co-operative Bank.

"Why should we take lessons from the Department of Health when it comes to financial planning and control?" she said.

"I prefer to rely on the opinion of our bankers rather than the NHS whose financial controls are clearly in tatters.

"We have been sacrificed on the altar of NHS financial incompetence. "Gaining a few pounds for the NHS coffers seems to be the priority over promoting its much-trumpeted initiatives about local provision and choice."

The name of the successful bidder has not yet been released.

"Surely we are entitled to know who the successful bidder is, why their identity is being concealed and what the real reasons are and why their bid was preferred," added Dr von Degenberg.

Previously, both Stroud MP David Drew and Stroud District Council leader Chas Fellows have backed the SMC campaign.

Department of Health would not reveal the successful bidder.

A spokesman said: "A substantial offer has been accepted from an established healthcare provider, which proposes to use the site for healthcare purposes.

"It is recognised that the decision will disappoint SMC and its supporters. "However, it was considered that their case was not robust enough to justify a sale to them on the terms offered."