THE people of Shipston took to the streets to protest the demolition of a hospital.
More than 400 residents made their voices heard on Saturday after work began to demolish the Ellen Badger Hospital.
The South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust (SWFT) is planning to build a new facility in its place, but the Shipston community do not believe it will be adequately equipped.
One such local, Melanie Trapp, said: “We want to know what is actually going on with our hospital.
“SWFT have started to demolish the original hospital, but with no promise of the new hospital actually being built with beds.
“The march was to show that we want to be listened to and we want answers to our questions which are being ignored.
“All we want is a hospital with the correct facilities to meet Shipston’s needs.”
Bryan Stoten, chair of the Shipston League of Friends, added: “The purpose of the march was to draw attention to what the Foundation Trust is proposing to offer after the demolition of the hospital which is now in progress
“The plans do not include medically qualified staff nor inpatient beds.”
While not involved with the march on Saturday, November 19, Shipston Town Council stated it "fully supports" the campaign for a "fully functioning" hospital to replace the Ellen Badger.
SWFT has now confirmed that more than £9 million will be invested in healthcare for Shipston and the surrounding villages.
Construction for the new Ellen Badger Hospital is expected to begin in February 2023, following the demolition of the old site.
A trust spokesperson said: “The Trust recognises the rich heritage of the site so all historical artefacts, signs and pictures have been safely secured and will feature in the new building.
“This exciting investment has been supported by two major legacies left to the League of Friends for the benefit of Ellen Badger Hospital, these funds enabled the Trust to purchase the additional land upon which this development of the hospital site is taking place.”
It has been confirmed that the new build will have “enhanced” clinical spaces, which will include shared spaces for community nursing and health visiting teams, as well as partner organisations.
There will be outpatients and treatment rooms for physiotherapy, specialist nurses and other professionals.
The development will also create a dedicated centre which the Trust says will “improve the health and wellbeing of the local population”.
SWFT says it is working closely with the Stour Health and Wellbeing Partnership to co-design the Health and Wellbeing Hub.
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