I am bitterly disappointed that NHS Property Services have decided to go ahead with the sale of Lambert Hospital in Thirsk, despite being presented with two community and health based options. I have already been in touch with the Health Minister, Lord O’Shaughnessy, and I am waiting his response.
I have made repeated representations to NHS Property Services, which owns the Chapel Street site, about keeping it for community use as it is in a prime site next to existing GP services and would be ideal for a mix of health and community use.
The fact that NHS Property Services and Hambleton and Whitby CCG rejected this first proposal and then a further plan by Hambleton Council to keep it solely for community use has also been turned down is a huge blow. NHS Property Services seem now intent on selling it to the highest bidder, possibly for conversion to flats.
However, I will not give up the fight to keep it for local use, as I believe it was intended when it was bequeathed to the people of Thirsk, as I know how important and necessary it is for the local community.