Public given more time to have their say on plans for new £25million Berwick hospital

Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has extended the consultation to give people as much opportunity as possible to see them before the planning application is submitted.

The trust had intended to hold a drop-in session in the town, however, this is now not possible due to the current government restrictions to restrict the spread of coronavirus.

Marion Dickson, executive director for nursing, midwifery, allied health professionals, surgery and community services at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, is leading the Berwick redevelopment project.

She said: “We would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to view our updated plans and make comments – your feedback is invaluable as we take the next step forward in this development by finalising the planning application we will submit to Northumberland County Council.

“We fully appreciate there is a lot going on in people’s lives at the moment so we thought it wise to extend the consultation to give people an extra week to log on, or get in touch by telephone, and have a look.

“We know the local community is, understandably, very interested in this project and we would encourage people to have their say on our proposals.”

Hoardings around the area on the existing Berwick Infirmary site where the new hospital is set to be built have been erected and the winning images from the trust’s photography competition will go on display when possible.

The new hospital will re-provide all the existing services and embrace the latest technology. Last year it revealed there would be an endoscopy suite.

It is planned that Well Close Medical Group will be part of the new development which will pave the way for further integration between primary care (the GPs) and secondary care (the hospital).

Residents will now have until 5pm on Monday, April 27 to look at the proposals for the new development which are available at www.berwickcommunityhospital.co.uk and make comments.

People without access to the internet can telephone 0191 261 5685.

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