Aylsham Care Trust calls meeting

AYLSHAM Care Trust (ACT), a driving force behind the redevelopment of the town's St Michael's Hospital site, is inviting the public to a presentation next week.

AYLSHAM Care Trust (ACT), a driving force behind the redevelopment of the town's St Michael's Hospital site, is inviting the public to a presentation next week.

Vanessa Barker will talk about the successful Bromley-by-Bow Centre in London, where community groups and agencies joined forces to provide health and social care services.

The event, in Aylsham Town Hall next Thursday at 7pm, will give ACT a chance to update townsfolk on its plans and explore other possibilities for St Michael's.

ACT gave land adjoining the hospital on condition community facilities were provided as part of the development.

The charity's vision includes a community centre, nursing home, sheltered and affordable housing, and land set aside for a possible health centre.

Trust chiefs are in talks with NHS Norfolk (formerly Norfolk Primary Care Trust) about providing community beds and clinics as part of the campus if the NHS is given the go-ahead to close St Michael's Community Hospital.

A decision on the hospital's future has been deferred until July while talks are under way.

Jenny Manser, chairman of ACT, said the Bromley development was particularly pertinent.

“Despite the fact that our hearts have been saddened by the proposed closure of the local hospital, we feel strongly that we must now use all of our resources and commitment to create something new that will serve the community for many years to come,” she said.