Public Invited to Comment on Fowey Community Hospital’s Future

The public is being offered a final opportunity to submit comments regarding the future of Fowey Community Hospital. The hospital ceased operations in 2016, having been determined to be unsuitable for its original function, and there is now a possibility that the structure will be sold for redevelopment. A report detailing the efforts undertaken by the NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board (ICB) concerning the hospital’s future is scheduled for release this month, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service. A drop-in session for residents of the town is planned for 7 December, from 11:00 to 14:00 GMT, at Pavilion House, located on Langurtho Road in Fowey. A community stakeholder group, established to examine the hospital’s future, determined that the building was no longer suitable for its intended use. This group identified that substantial financial outlay would be necessary to upgrade the hospital to meet contemporary care standards, and even then, it could only accommodate six beds, which was deemed insufficient. Furthermore, the structure is situated within a residential zone, precluding any expansion. The ICB assessed the feasibility of redeveloping the building into a care home but concluded that its size was inadequate, renovation costs would be excessive, and attracting staff who could afford to reside and work locally would pose a challenge. Additional alternatives, such as repurposing it for clinics, day services, or as a community hub, were similarly dismissed on financial grounds. The ICB has stated its intention to reach a definitive decision regarding the hospital at a public meeting scheduled for January. For updates, follow BBC Cornwall on X, Facebook, and Instagram. Story ideas can be sent to spotlight@bbc.co.uk. This content is Copyright 2024 BBC, with all rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external sites. Further details on our external linking policy are available.