Backing for Finchley hospital plans (From Times Series)

Backing for Finchley hospital plans

8:44am Tuesday 5th August 2008 in News By Kevin Bradford

The £45 million redevelopment of Finchley Memorial Hospital is a step closer to fruition, after business plans were approved last week.

Barnet Primary Care Trust (PCT) was given the green light by NHS London to begin the final planning process for the 4.5-acre site in Granville Road.

It follows the news that Barnet PCT was awarded £10m by the Department of Health to help fund the project.

Charles Hollwey, chief executive of the PCT, said: “We are extremely happy to have received approval, as it brings us another step closer to redeveloping a high quality community hospital.

“Making sure all patients have equal access to high quality health care is a priority. These plans will help ensure that health services meet the future health care needs of the people of Barnet.”

The new centre, to be built on land next to the current site, will include facilities for specialist rehabilitation and intermediate care, an outpatient unit and a pharmacy dispensary.

The hospital will remain open throughout the redevelopment, with services moving across when the work is completed to avoid disruption to patients.

Under the proposals, the existing building would eventually be demolished and the space could be used for parking.

Barnet PCT will now work alongside Barnet Council to finalise the plans before building work can start by the end of 2009.

Councillor Helena Hart, Barnet Council’s cabinet member for public health, said: “The provision and extension of 21st Century health facilities on this site will play a vital role in improving health services.”