“I am pleased to say I am able to take a much more positive approach to this update on the future of Townlands Hospital than I could 12 months ago.

Then we seemed faced with imminent closure. Now we are guardedly optimistic that the hospital will not only be kept open but will also undergo much-needed redevelopment.

A consultant’s report has shown that several independent healthcare providers would be very keen to redevelop Townlands. This would provide modern facilities needed by the community, local doctors and the primary care trust.

Reading’s Royal Berkshire Hospital has also shown an interest in a Townlands redevelopment. This could be complementary to working with an independent health provider.

What is most certainly our continued aim is to ensure that services at Townlands will continue to be NHS funded and free at the point of delivery. Our contact with the newly formed primary care trust continues and town councillors have recently met its chief executive in what has been described a s a very positive meeting.

We want to keep local people involved at all stages as we are looking at the possibilities of Henley community ownership of a part of the Townlands site and involvement in the future administration of the hospital.

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