ANOTHER update has been announced surrounding the multi-million project to redevelop Thornbury Health Centre.
The business case for the long-awaited project has now been submitted to the Department of Health and Social Care, according to Luke Hall MP.
Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire NHS Integrated Care Board was granted £1.3 million last year by the government to develop a business case.
It comes after it was announced last week plans had been scaled back after high inflation and long delays cut the budget.
Meanwhile, the Thornbury and Yate MP says he has also written to Health Minister Lord Markham and delivered a petition signed by thousands calling for the government to fully fund the project.
Mr Hall said: “It’s taken far too long to get to this point, but we have never been closer to getting our new Health Centre.
“I am grateful to every resident who has signed my petition, supported the debate in Parliament and offered support along the way.
“It has all helped to strengthen my hand when making the case to Government Ministers.
“It’s now or never, and I am fighting for us to get the green light so our community can access the Health services it deserves.”
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire ICB said: “We remain committed to developing a new healthcare facility on the former Thornbury Hospital site.
“We look forward to progressing plans in partnership with the local authority.”
Last year, the government promised to fund the £14 million for refurbishing the former Thornbury Hospital, which closed in 2019.
An update was recently given to the health scrutiny committee at South Gloucestershire Council on Wednesday, April 10.
It is hoped that once completed, the centre will allow people to receive healthcare closer to home rather than travelling to Southmead Hospital or Bristol Royal Infirmary.
Tim James, from the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire NHS Integrated Care Board, said the budget did not "stretch as far" as first hoped.
READ MORE: Health centre plan for Thornbury scaled back
The original plans involve three GP surgeries, but this has been scaled back by health bosses who asked for the same amount of funding before the pandemic.
Plans now involve building 75 extra care apartments for the elderly, and a health centre with space for two GP surgeries on site.
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