Question marks remain over Thornbury Hospital project

NHS South Gloucestershire, which runs the hospital, is in the process of merging with neighbouring health authorities NHS Bristol and NHS North Somerset, to form a Primary Care Trust (PCT) cluster.

By next month the three local health authorities will share one chief executive and management team in an attempt to save the NHS money. The new cluster will save 43 per cent in management costs, as set by the Department of Health.

Earlier this month it was announced that Deborah Evans had been appointed chief executive for the cluster. She had formerly been chief executive at NHS Bristol.

However, it is still unknown who will form the rest of the cluster’s management team.

To date Robert Knibbs, who was director of finance at NHS South Gloucestershire, had been the main lead on the Thornbury Hospital redevelopment project.

He admitted in March that he did not know if he would still be involved with the scheme post-merger.

A spokesman for the PCT cluster said the final management structure was yet to be decided.

He said: "The cluster doesn’t start until June 1. At the moment it’s just very early days."

Shirley Holloway, chairman of the Thornbury Hospital League of Friends, said she was meeting Mr Knibbs tomorrow to discuss the future of the project.

Health bosses at NHS South Gloucestershire revealed last year their proposals to demolish Thornbury Hospital and Health Centre and replace them with a health and social care campus, with increased outpatient services but no inpatient beds.

The plans were put on hold following a three-month consultation process, because of the recent local elections.

During the consultation period local people launched a campaign, with the backing of the Gazette, against the plans. A petition attracted more than 2,000 signatures and NHS South Gloucestershire received 57 letters on the project.

A final draft of the health authority’s plans will be revealed in July.