A HEALTH chief has hit out at “hostility and opposition” to consultation over a proposed new Malvern hospital, by threatening to stop the public having a say.

Malvern residents have been waiting to speak out over whether a new community hospital should be built in the town’s Seaford Court or Pickersleigh Road since the last meeting, on Monday, January 24, was cancelled after too many people turned up.

But Mike Ridley, South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust chief executive, asked board members yesterday if they wanted him to continue with the consultation process.

“I would be happy to continue, but members are aware of hostility and opposition we are facing towards the consultation process,” he said.

Infuriated

“As far as the process is concerned there is not local support for the way forward.”

But Pat Merrick, of Malvern Hospital’s League of Friends, said she was “infuriated” by Mr Ridley’s attempts to cancel the consultation process.

“Malvern is neither opposed or hostile to a consultation, it’s just frustrated,” she said. “We have waited 25 years for this hospital and feel we have been messed about.

“We welcome the consultation process. It’s been a long time coming, but it is being badly organised.”

She lashed out at the PCT’s choice of venues for the public meetings, as too small, and criticised the lack of information in the consultation document.

The Evening News reported in December West Worcestershire MP Sir Michael Spicer accused the PCT of using the consultation process as a delaying tactic, claiming it was already evident Malvern people wanted a new hospital.

At yesterday’s meeting board members decided the consultation process should continue.

Two meetings, which will accommodate a total of 1,600 people, are now scheduled to take place at the Forum Theatre from 7pm to 9.30pm on Monday, February 21 and noon to 2pm on Tuesday, February 22.