Future looks brighter for community hospital

Tony Ellis, of Northwood Residents' Association, Andrew Riley, of Northwood Hills Residents' Association, and Joan Davis, of health watchdog Community Voice, were shown a confidential draft of plans by a specialist employed by NHS Hillingdon, on Thursday last week.

The proposals are still being kept under wraps by the trust but it is thought one option may involve pairing up with developers who could offer some funding for the centre.

A similar idea was used in the case of Kate Fassnidge Community Hall (formerly Northwood Dining Club), in High Street, which will open as a meeting and events venue later this summer. The redevelopment was funded by property firm Howarth Homes, which built flats above the hall.

After last week's meeting, Mr Ellis told his association that there is an excellent chance the site will be developed as a health centre for the community and welcomed the fact that proposals were being seriously considered.

He was unable to reveal the exact nature of the plans, which are yet to be given the official go-ahead, but he told the Gazette: "We have got some definitive plans for the first time in quite a long time, which is good.

"It is looking good that the site will be reopened as a community health centre.

"The consultant's first draft plans are very encouraging and she intends to show us a fully costed version in August."

A spokesman for NHS Hillingdon said: "A number of options for the future of the Northwood and Pinner Hospital site are currently being reviewed.

"We are continuing to engage with local people to give them the opportunity to help shape this work."