Berwick Hospital raised during election campaign

One of the main issues raised in Berwick during the election was and continues to be the Hospital. Northumberland County Councils Labour Group who were the Administration at the time loaned £25million to Northumbria Healthcare Trust in order for a new Hospital facility to be created. This was to ensure that investment in facilities in Berwick took place. Scott, who chaired the meeting that agreed the investment support said at the time it was a once in a lifetime opportunity to help provide these facilities for Berwick. It was also a far better financial solution that that of an expensive PFI with private companies taking funds out of future resources. Many consultation events and public meetings took place over a period of time and then the project stalled. The governments change of direction on the NHS and the additional pressures the NHS faced seemed to be a contributing factor. Scott has continued to be supportive of the scheme and is working to find answers and solutions to delays from the Trust. The public have been assured that the project will continue but Scott continues to seek timescales on that. He said "it's important momentum is maintained and focus on the scheme continues. The money was loaned to the Trust for the specific purpose of delivering modernised health care provision in a new facility at Berwick and that is what everyone is working towards. We will continue to be supportive and ensure that happens." In a recent statement when the plans were pushed back to Summer 2017 the Trust Chief Executive said: "I would like to firmly reassure local people that all partners remain fully committed to a new healthcare facility for Berwick. This has been many years in the making already and we have once in a lifetime opportunity to make sure that the whole health and care system comes together to create something truly innovative for the future."