Board approves second community hospital plan in Oxfordshire

They approved a plan which will now go on to develop in more detail who is likely to take on the work to provide the town with a new hospital and what kind of approach they will take.

The next stage of the project is expected to be the issuing of a pre-qualifying questionnaire in parallel with seeking approval from NHS South Central. This will be followed in June by the drawing up of a list of organisations who are interested in the redevelopment.

There will then be further detailed evaluation of the submitted plans with a final business case expected to be submitted to the NHS Oxfordshire board in December.

Any new development will be on the current Townlands site and will ensure the same number of beds, 18, as present. All the facilities currently provided by Townlands, such as the Minor Injuries Unit, x ray facilities and therapies, will all be included in any redevelopment.

NHS Oxfordshire will continue to work with key partners including Oxfordshire County Council who are looking to potentially re-locate the Chilterns End Care Home on the Townlands site.

Timetable

• March 31: Outline Business Case (stage 2)  approved by Board
• April: Issue Pre-Qualifying Questionnaire
• April- May: Strategic Health Authority approval sought
• June: List of organisations interested in developing/initiate competitive dialogue
• July – September: Competitive Dialogue
• September: Submit Final Tender
• December:  Evaluation/Final Business Case to NHS Oxfordshire Board. Contract signed (subject to planning permissions)