Hospital's future still in question (From Barry And District News)

Hospital's future still in question

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

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

Now ideas for the Grade II-listed building's future use are being put forward.

Max Wallis, co-ordinator of the Vale Mental Health Campaign, 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.

He added: "Last June, the health service watchdog Commission for Health Improvement (CHI) said that the C&V 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."

He continued: "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 there are no offers from other developers wanting to take on the project, especially as the site is in such a prime area as the Sully Hospital.

As reported in the Times previously the developers Galliard were eventually put off by the incinerator which could not be moved.

Councillor Barlow continued: "Hopefully there will be some movement over the next few weeks because the building needs to be found a purpose."

Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust were given a chance to respond but there was no feed back before the story went to press.