Existing Cromer Hospital Site re-emerges as option for New Hospital

10.05.18am UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 26th Jun 2006

The Chief Executive of the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital Trust has informed Norman Lamb MP that the existing Cromer hospital site is still being considered as a serious option for the redevelopment of the hospital. Norman Lamb, Liberal Democrat MP for North Norfolk, asked the Trust to update him on progress for the proposed redevelopment of Cromer Hospital.

In his letter to Mr Lamb, Chief Executive Paul Forden says:

"We are still putting in considerable effort in trying to obtain ownership of the land necessary to rebuild the Cromer Hospital. This is proving more difficult than we would wish but we do believe we are making real progress. Should we not be able to obtain the land elsewhere in Cromer then we do of course have the option to rebuild Cromer on the existing site."

Norman Lamb says:

"We're now told that the existing site is re-emerging as a serious option for the redevelopment of Cromer Hospital. The Hospital should set a deadline for the conclusion of the issue of siting for the new hospital so this vital project can get underway."

The existing site emerged as one of the favourites in the public consultation on the siting of the new hospital.

Note: Complete text of letter from Paul Forden, Chief Executive of Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital Trust:

"We are still putting in considerable effort in trying to obtain ownership of the land necessary to rebuild the Cromer Hospital. This is proving more difficult than we would wish but we do believe we are making real progress. Should we not be able to obtain the land elsewhere in Cromer then we do of course have the option to rebuild Cromer on the existing site.

"I appreciate that everybody wants to see this to be completed as quickly as possible, but also believe that it is essential that the site chosen is the right one since the hospital needs to serve Cromer for probably the next 50 years.

"Please be assured that I am doing everything I can at the moment to expedite decisions and ensure that patients from North Norfolk have access to their new facility as quickly as possible."

"Yours sincerely, Paul Forden"