Go-ahead for Cromer hospital

Sarah BrealeyPlans to rebuild Cromer hospital have been given the nod by a health watchdog, despite concerns about the loss of some services there.Sarah Brealey

Plans to rebuild Cromer hospital have been given the nod by a health watchdog, despite concerns about the loss of some services there.

Norfolk's health scrutiny committee heard there is still worry and sadness among Cromer people at the loss of surgery and endoscopy.

But the �15m hospital will have new facilities, including a permanent breast screening unit, a hearing service for children and an MRI scanning service.

At its meeting yesterday, the committee of councillors could have chosen to refer the proposals to the secretary of state. But everyone involved said they were keen for work to start on the new hospital, which is being paid for mostly with legacies left by local women Sagle Bernstein and Phyllis Cox.

Julie Cave, the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital's director of resources, said that although 3,000 patients a year would have to travel to Norwich for endoscopy and surgery, 8,000 extra patients would benefit from the new services being provided in Cromer.

Michele Nash, from Cromer Hospital Action Group, said: "Cromer people are not happy, particularly the elderly who are worried about the discomfort and difficulty of travelling to the N&N." But she said they had been involved in discussions with the N&N, adding: "We do not want any delay with the building."

The N&N's board is set to approve the hospital plans today.