Hospital's future unclear (From Penarth Times)

Hospital's future unclear

Sully Hospital's future use is still unclear although many suggestions have put forward.

A multi-million pound scheme to turn it into luxury flats was sensationally scrapped this month after developers Galliard failed to get a clinical waste incinerator removed from the site.

Max Wallis, Co-ordinator of the Vale Mental Health Campaign, wants the Grade II listed building to be used for health purposes.

He said: "The prime obligation of those entrusted with NHS property is to give priority to use for health purposes. Moreover, they have been judged to fail in their prime duty to provide hospital treatment.

"Last June, the health service watchdog Commission for Health Improvement (CHI) said that the Cardiff and Vale Trust is: 'struggling to find enough beds for both routine surgical patients and the increasing numbers of emergency cases'. This has led to patients enduring long waiting lists, cancelled operations and delayed discharges."

"Last December, the CHI report on Bro Taf HA said south Bro Taf is highly deficient in "convalescent" beds, unlike the Merthyr and Rhondda areas.

"Bro Taf Health Authority closed its eyes and ears. A task group set up by the trust included Sully Hospital in options for providing recuperation beds to relieve public pressure in Llandough and UHW."

Sully Community Councillor Ian Barlow said he is surprised that there have been no other offers.

He said: "There is no offers of any other developer wanting to take on the project yet. It is strange that there has been no more contact from interested parties.

"Especially as the site is in such a prime area as the Sully Hospital."

Cllr Barlow continued: "Hopefully there will be some movement over the next few weeks."

There was no response from the Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust as the Times went to press.

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