by Graham Tutthill

Health chiefs are looking at alternative sites for the new community hospital for Dover, it has been revealed.

It follows fears that the site earmarked for the development, at Maison Dieu Road, could be at risk from flooding.

While not ruling out a town centre site for the hospital, it is understood the planners are looking at sites further afield.

While it is bad news for those who have been fighting for the hospital to be sited in the town centre, it will be good news for campaigners who have maintained that the hospital - and, if possible, with full acute services - should be built at Whitfield.

In a press release issued on Thursday, September 10, health chiefs said the flood risk appraisal of the mid-town site as part of a wider study was in the final stages.

Early indications are that work will be required to deal with the risk of flooding, but the nature of the work is not yet known, nor how much this might cost or how long it might take to put in place.

It was in September last year that the site was agreed by NHS Eastern and Coastal Kent’s board. However, it was acknowledged that there was a flood risk around the site, and that the decision might need to be reviewed. In the meantime a flood risk appraisal has been carried out on behalf of Dover District Council. This is expected to be concluded in October.

NHS Eastern and Coastal Kent (Primary Care Trust) will be holding an event in October to involve stakeholders in an assessment of sites against the criteria previously identified.

Ann Sutton, chief executive of NHS Eastern and Coastal Kent, and Stuart Bain, chief executive of East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Both our organisations are committed to providing an improved service for local people. We are not ruling out the mid-town site, but as part of any planning application it is clear we will need to demonstrate we have considered all the options.

"Therefore, at the same time as the flood risk appraisal report is being finalised, we are looking at other sites, including those previously considered, so that we are well prepared to make decisions speedily when the time comes.

"It is important that the new hospital is able to meet the healthcare needs of the area as identified by local people, local doctors and the Primary Care Trust.

"NHS Eastern and Coastal Kent and East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust are therefore working together to explore alternative sites in central Dover to find a site that best meets important criteria, including deliverability within a reasonable timescale, accessibility, affordability and value for money.

"Local people will be kept informed of progress through engagement with the community.