PLANS to build a new hospital in Clevedon have been dramatically scrapped after it was decided they were no longer affordable.

It has been announced today (Thurs) that, following a full review of the business case for the �13million project, members of NHS North Somerset and NHS South of England, the strategic health authority (SHA), have decided the scheme, which has been in development since 2008, is too expensive.

To have been created on land at Millcross, the hospital would have boasted 20 individual inpatient rooms with ensuite facilities, a range of outpatient clinics, a minor injuries unit as well as facilities for therapy and diagnostic services.

Work was initially due to start on site in December but NHS North Somerset was forced to review and resubmit its business case to the SHA due to changes being made within the NHS. This was resubmitted in May and it was hoped it would have been approved this month.

Just last month, during a Clevedon Town Council meeting, members were told work on the scheme could have started as early as September if the SHA gave it the go-ahead.

In a statement released today, David Tappin, director of strategic development for the Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset primary care cluster, said: “The changing financial circumstances in healthcare mean the current proposals for the new Clevedon community hospital are unaffordable.

“In this context we need to reconsider the options for providing the high quality, sustainable care North Somerset residents need and deserve with the resources available.

“All of us involved in making this decision have to exercise responsibility and ensure the legacy of the primary care trust is one of financial stability.”

Stakeholders with an interest in the scheme, including North Somerset Council and staff at Clevedon’s cottage hospital in Old Street, have all been informed of the decision.

They will be consulted as the North Somerset clinical commissioning group takes the project forward and begins considering future options. Meanwhile, services offered at the current hospital facility will continue.