Lib Dem Councillors Maggie Tyrrell and Shirley Holloway are challenging the Chief Executive of NHS South Glos, Penny Harris, over endless delays to plans to build a new hospital in Thornbury.

At a meeting of South Gloucestershire Council’s Health Scrutiny Select Committee on Wednesday, there were angry exchanges when Cllr Maggie Tyrrell said, ”It is extremely frustrating that that meetings have been cancelled, and deadlines have not been met.  In fact little progress has been made for months.”

New community hospitals and health facilities at Thornbury, Yate, Cossham, Frenchay and Southmead are part of the original Bristol Health Services Plan which led to the building of the new acute hospital at Southmead. The plan made clear that all these community services were essential to make sure that there are enough health services for the people of South Gloucestershire.

Cllr Shirley Holloway said, “Thornbury was one of the first to start planning, but it is now the last in line for completion.  Cossham and Yate are now open, plans for Frenchay are well advanced but the Thornbury project seems to have stalled.  This is extremely disappointing news.”

In response, health officials defended their position.  They said that although there had been delays, the work would continue within the limited resources available. However they were unable to guarantee that the project would be complete before their organisation ceases to exist in 2012.  After that decisions will be made by the new GP Consortium.

Cllr Maggie Tyrrell said after the meeting, “The present situation is just not acceptable. Local Councillors have worked hard to keep this project on track for the local community. We are determined to see that before its demise the Health Authority fulfils its promise to provide a modern hospital for Thornbury and the surrounding villages.”