PLANS for the future of Thornbury Health Centre and Hospital have been given a new look in fresh plans put forward this week.

A report released by the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) outline plans to redevelop the existing Thornbury Health centre and Hospital site, replacing it with an “enhanced primary and community care hub”.

The new facility, delivered as part of the CCG’s 3Rs programme for rehabilitation services, would feature GP services, mental health provision, outpatient primary care services and a new build 70-to-80-bed nursing home, which would include a dedicated “frailty unit” focusing on the elderly community staying out of hospital, with care in their own home and transport services.

“The 3Rs Programme aims to develop capability and capacity in the community so people with complex needs spend less time in hospital following an admission to hospital,” said Dave Jarrett, CCG South Gloucestershire area director.

“We will be working closely with the local authority to deliver this transformation of health and care services in the area.”

The project has been handed £100,000 to develop a business case, which will be used to apply for funding from central government.

Thornbury and Yate MP Luke Hall said he was “delighted” by the plans.

“The news that Thornbury is very likely to get this long promised health centre and care hub will be very welcome by the community,” he said.

“I’d like to thank everyone in the town who has lent support and worked with me to get this result.”

SGC leader Cllr Matthew Riddle added: “With Thornbury growing it is only right that it gets the health services it needs.

“The news of an enhanced healthcare hub backed by additional central funding is very welcome which not only brings together the ageing health centre and hospital into a single integrated facility, but also includes new services for mental help provision.”

The plans follow a visit in November by Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt, who told decision makers they should “be ambitious” in their plans for the future of the site, with proposals outlining the hospital’s Henderson Ward being redeveloped for rehabilitation beds, being scrapped the following month.

Proposals have also been forward to complement plans for Thornbury, by making Frenchay Hospital a “centre of excellence” for rehabilitative care.

Thornbury’s mayor elect and South Gloucestershire representative Cllr Shirley Holloway said she felt the plans mean Thornbury is being “sold down the river again by the NHS” with the nursing home beds on site being run by a private operator, meaning their users will be expected to pay for the service.

“This decision is unbelievable,” she said. “Of course the aim is to treat more people at home, but this is not appropriate for everyone.

“Although the ward has only 20 beds now there are always a few patients from Thornbury and they are always very grateful for the caring staff and the superb treatment they receive.

“A new Health Centre is recommended, but there is no evidence of where the money is coming from or how it will be run. The government has provided £100,000, but that is just a drop in the ocean. The new facility sounds great, but when will it be built?”