The new Forest of Dean Community Hospital is due to open in Spring 2024 and we have recently published our transition plans.
The transition will begin within the next few months, with teams and services gradually moving out of the former hospitals to the new site. We had previously planned to move the existing X ray machine from Lydney hospital to the new hospital, meaning there would be a disruption to X ray services. However, having now agreed funding, we are in conversation with potential suppliers about installing a new machine, which should provide a smoother transition for X ray services in the Forest.
We can also now share details of our plans for the existing hospital sites. We have notified the Forest of Dean District Council that we will first market Lydney Hospital for sale, followed by the Dilke Hospital at a later date. One part of the Lydney Hospital site (Stonebury House) will be retained by the Trust as it will continue to be occupied by several teams for the foreseeable future.
Both sites have been registered as Assets of Community Value. This means that they have recently been used and could be used in the future to further the social wellbeing or social interests of the local community. With the hospital sites being Assets of Community Value this provides a six week window for any community groups who wish to purchase the sites, or parts of them, to prepare and express an initial bid. As an NHS organisation we must follow strict guidelines while disposing of sites that have become surplus to requirements. This includes generating best value – both financial and social – so that any capital can be invested in enhancing patient care while releasing public land for new use.
The Lydney Hospital site will be marketed by Alder King.
