Standish hospital 'health campus' plan progresses

Developers are being invited to put forward proposals to turn a former Gloucestershire hospital into a health and social care centre.

Standish hospital near Stroud closed in 2004 and a campaign was launched to retain the site for health care.

The new "health campus" would offer supported living options and access to care for the elderly and people with physical and learning disabilities.

It is hoped the first phase of building will begin in September 2011.

The facilities are also expected to offer access to respite, rehabilitation and intermediate care as well as fall-prevention advice and the management of long-term conditions

The aim is to help reduce the number of unnecessary admissions to hospital and support early return home after treatment.

Prospective developers are being invited to a meeting with Gloucestershire NHS and the New Standish Community Group on Thursday to explore the scope of the project.