£30m hospital plans unveiled

The "compact" hospital, earmarked for the Chilworth Science Park, is expected to act as a magnet for research and development companies and will forge links with Southampton University and the city's General hospital.

Circle Healthcare will put its proposals for the 6,500 square metre building on show at public exhibitions next week.

There will be 36 beds and four operating theatres. And there will be a range of diagnostic services in addition to elective surgery.

Local surgeons, who will be involved in the project, already have close links with Southampton University and its medical school.

A Circle spokesman said: "They see the planned facility as being crucial to extend their research and development activities."

Circle, which claims to be the UK's largest partnership of healthcare professionals, is establishing a chain of hospitals, clinics and community services, and plans 30 compact hospitals across the country.

University of Southampton Science Park chief executive Peter Birkett welcomed the hospital plans.

He said: "It is envisaged the presence of a centre for clinical excellence, providing leadingedge clinical treatment and a strong research base with links to the university and the general hospital would act as a magnet to local research and development companies."

Mr Birkett added: "With increased emphasis being placed by the Government on the spin-out of technologies from research and development activities, it is now as important as ever for the University of Southampton to ensure that it has appropriate access to avenues for technology exploitation."

Circle has twice outlined its plans to Chilworth Parish Council. Chairman Tony Hulbert described the project as "interesting"

but said the council had not decided whether to support it.

The proposals will go on show at exhibitions at Chilworth Community Centre next Wednesday, from 5pm to 9pm, and at Romsey Town Hall next Thursday, from 1pm to 5pm.