South Gloucestershire Council

Published: 12/12/2012

In a unanimous resolution at this week’s meeting of full Council, elected members agreed that any retreat from community hospital facilities promised for South Gloucestershire on the Frenchay Hospital site is unacceptable and must be vigorously opposed.

The resolution calls on the three political leaders to write to South Gloucestershire’s Clinical Commissioning Group and local NHS Trusts to express the council’s support for the Frenchay Hospital Health and Social Care Centre, including the community hospital.

The three leaders will also convey the resolution to the Secretary of State and local MPs.

The motion, which was proposed by Cllr Ian Scott and seconded by Cllr Heather Goddard, adds that the community facilities must be delivered in parallel with the new Southmead hospital development to ensure a smooth transition for patients and communities.

Leader of the Conservative group on South Gloucestershire Council John Calway said: “There continues to be enormous public affection and support for Frenchay Hospital. As a council, we will do all we can to end this latest uncertainty and help ensure that the promised new community hospital is delivered without delay.”

Leader of the Liberal Democrat group on South Gloucestershire Council Ruth Davis said: We were promised provision on the Frenchay site. Everyone on South Gloucestershire Council wants to see a proper healthcare facility, including a community hospital, at Frenchay, and I hope the Trust and the Clinical Commissioning Group listen to the weight of opinion.”

Leader of the Labour group on South Gloucestershire Council Andy Perkins said: “The plans for a community hospital at Frenchay are an integral part of the Bristol Health Services Plan. The local NHS should be under no illusion as to the strength of feeling there is on this matter and we expect them to deliver what was agreed.”

Plans for the provision of new community hospital facilities on the Frenchay site, following the concentration of acute services at Southmead, were originally set out in the Bristol Health Services Plan of 2005.