Written question asked by Mark Francois (Conservative) on Monday, 15 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 18 November 2004. It was answered by Stephen Ladyman (Labour) on Thursday, 18 November 2004 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, when the new hospital planned for Maldon will open; what the estimated cost of the project is; and if he will make a statement. - Inc figure.

Answer: Mr. Francois: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the new hospital planned for Maldon will open; what the estimated cost of the project is; and if he will make a statement. [199122] Dr. Ladyman: In line with "Shifting the Balance of Power" and the NHS Plan, it is now for primary care trusts (PCTs), in partnership with strategic health authorities and other local stakeholders, to determine how best to use the funds allocated to them to meet national and local priorities for improving health, tackling health inequalities and modernising services. I understand that Maldon and South Chelmsford PCT is at a critical stage in negotiating the purchase of a suitable parcel of land within the Maldon area on which it wishes to site the new community hospital. Subject to the negotiations reaching a successful conclusion, the PCT is planning to open the new hospital in early 2008. The estimated costs of the new community hospital under the private finance initiative is approximately £27 million.

Secondary information