Townlands Community Group to meet to discuss hospital redevelopment

6 November 2009

Everyone who is interested in shaping the future of Henley’s Townlands Hospital is invited to be part of the Townlands Community Group (TCG)

The TCG is holding its next meeting on Wednesday November 18, 6.30 pm – 8.00 pm at the Maurice Tate Room, Townlands Hospital. All are welcome.

The TCG is working with NHS Oxfordshire to ensure the community in Henley and the surrounding areas have their say on the redevelopment of the hospital.

The next meeting will hear from key project staff from NHS Oxfordshire who will give an update on the work and from the architect who is working with the NHS giving specialist advice on the Townlands site.

The TCG is chaired by Henley Town Councillor, Ian Reissmann. He said: “I would urge as many people as possible to attend the meeting. It’s vital for the success of the project that we get what is called ‘community acceptability.’ This means getting the kind of health services that local people want. We also need to hear more from different groups in the community such as parents and young people. It’s important that we get a good cross section of opinion who can provide the NHS with valuable feedback.”

At a meeting earlier this year, Ian Reissmann and Patient Representative, Pat Solomons, were nominated to represent the TCG on NHS Oxfordshire’s Townlands Project Group – where all key decisions regarding the redevelopment are made.

Meanwhile, the project is currently at the procurement stage. The NHS is looking at would-be developers for the site and a short list has been drawn up. Those on the list will be invited shortly to submit their plans.

NHS Oxfordshire’s Project Manager, Tony Burrage, said: “Overall we are progressing well. We have had slippage in the timetable of around two months. This was to ensure the bidders and planners received the accurate and detailed information they needed. I felt it was vital to accommodate this slight delay now in order to get things right first time and avoid a more significant delay further down the line.”

- Ends -

 

Key Dates

  • November/December 2009 – Site surveys completed
  • January 2010 – Planning Framework agreed with South Oxfordshire District Council. Service/Site information to all Bidders by end January.
  • February/April 2010 – Outline service and building solutions completed by Bidders and submitted. These will be assessed and successful submissions taken forward to dialogue.
  • May/August 2010– Period of dialogue with Bidders to develop outline service and building solutions
  • September/October 2010– Bidders prepare/submit final tender document. These will be assessed in early November for submission to PCT Board
  • November 2010 – Recommendation to PCT Board
  • December/January 2011 – Contract signed subject to planning approval
  • February/May – Planning application to South Oxfordshire District Council
  • Summer 2011: Building work commences

- Ends -

For more information please call:
NHS Oxfordshire Communications team – 01865 336 831