IT has been announced that the rebuilding of Thornbury Health Centre will be fully funded by the government.

The Department of Health and Social Care has officially given the green light to rebuild and make new facilities available at Thornbury Hospital in Eastland Road.

There have been several unsuccessful attempts to upgrade Thornbury's health facilities over the last 30 years.

Minister for Health Lord Markham is due to confirm this morning, Thursday, that £14.4 million is being made available for the long-awaited project. 

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.

Next steps will include a public consultation and a planning application will have to be submitted to South Gloucestershire Council, before any works can begin.

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Welcoming the news, Luke Hall MP said: "At last, we have achieved what we set out to do all those years ago the money we need to build a new health centre for Thornbury. 

"This could not have happened without the support from the community. 

"Thank you to everyone who signed my petition, filled in the surveys, and lent their support to this campaign. 

"It's now time to finish the job and finally start the redevelopment of Thornbury's Health Centre."

Lord Markham said: "I am pleased to confirm that £14.4 million is available to completely rebuild Thornbury Health Centre following Luke's long standing campaign.

"The Department of Health will now be working with NHS England and the Integrated Care Board to identify enabling works on the site which can happen and start as quickly as possible. 

"Now the funding has been confirmed, it is vital we now get on and deliver a new health centre at Thornbury."

The 1920s building was shut to patients five years ago in 2019 and was previously labelled as 'not fit for purpose'.

It is understood plans for the redevelopment involve building 75 extra care apartments for the elderly, and a health centre with space for two GP surgeries on site.

It comes as Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire NHS Integrated Care Board was previously granted £1.3 million last year by the government to develop a business case.

South Gloucestershire Council previously bought the former Thornbury Hospital site from the North Bristol NHS Trust for £3.4 million in 2022.

Mr Hall also says he is in talks with local NHS officials and the Department of Health about next steps.

He previously delivered a petition to Lord Markham in April signed by thousands across the area calling for the government to fully fund the project.

Meanwhile, the MP has also brought various ministers to visit the health centre site, including former Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt in 2017.

Gazette Series: Luke Hall MP with former health secretary Jeremy Hunt outside Thornbury Health Centre in 2017Luke Hall MP with former health secretary Jeremy Hunt outside Thornbury Health Centre in 2017 (Image: Luke Hall MP)