THE Department of Health has announced that it has approved the release of £17.7 million to Worcestershire Primary Care Trust to build the new Malvern Community Hospital.

The good news follows last week’s announcement that West Midlands Strategic Health Authority had approved the Full Business Case, and is the final hurdle in the approval process for the hospital.

Brian Hanford, Director of Finance at Worcestershire PCT and Malvern Hospital Project Director, said: “Receiving the £17.7 million from the Department of Health really is the final hurdle and we are absolutely delighted with the news.

“We can now sign the contract with Interserve, our construction partner, and get moving on the next stage of the project - building the new hospital. Building work is scheduled to start on the Seaford Court site later this month."

Serena Croad, Leader of Malvern Hills District Council and member of the Hospital Board, said: "Although it has been a long time coming, the news that funding has been approved is absolutely fantastic. The PCT can now move forward with plans and build this district the hospital it so badly needs."

The 24-bed hospital, which is due to open in Autumn 2010, will have many facilities including inpatient and outpatient facilities, x-ray and ultrasound, day rehabilitation and therapies, palliative care and visiting mammography and MRI scans.