New day surgery to replace old hospital

A NEW day surgery is to be built on the site of the original Grantham Hospital.

It was confirmed after Coun Ray Wootten questioned the Chief Executive Jane Lewington at the United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust (ULHT)  annual meeting in Boston last night over the proposal to demolish the Grantham Old Hospital built in 1879 and whether it was true.

She confirmed this was the case.

Originally the trust had said it was to knock down the old hospital and building a temporary car park on the site.

The Chief Executive stated that the trust was aware of the emotion and strong feeling among Grantham people especially as people in the past had contributed towards the hospital.

She added she wasn’t against using reclaimed stone from the demolition and incorporating it in the new build.

Councillor Ray Wootten said: “I am determined that Grantham has good facilities to serve the local community. I know that there are many changes the trust have to make but I am not going to take my eye of the ball and I will do all I can to ensure that residents views are taken into account.”

Councillor Wootten confirmed he has had talks with the Trust and South Kesteven District Council officers over the plan.

Many positive things came out of the meeting last night including new ways of providing emergency care and the new Neighbourhood Teams which is being trialled elsewhere.

The most important news for Grantham is that the Chief Executive stated once again that Grantham Hospital is both safe and secure and has a bright future.