ITS temporary closure sparked controversy but now you can have your say on the future of Hythe Hospital.

While uncertainty hangs over the in-patient ward of Hythe and Dibden War Memorial Hospital, health bosses have turned to residents to find out what they want from the site.

Despite fears that the closed ward will disappear, Hampshire Community Health Care (HCHC) is eager to reassure patients that it is committed to its redevelopment and have launched four drop-in sessions.

The ward was closed back in May due to staffing shortages and problems with infection control but health chiefs promised it would be re-opened by August.

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However the problems facing the ward were much greater than anyone had expected and the decision was taken to keep the ward closed until a permanent solution is found.

HCHC, which runs the site, has been in discussions with GPs and consultant to find out what is the best healthcare model for the site but now they have turned to the public to have their say.

All options are being considered, including a refurbishment of the in-patient ward, a total demolition of the building and re-build from scratch or a removal of beds in favour of a day-care ward.

The discussions will be taken out on the road, with four drop-in sessions held across the Waterside and Totton area to talk about the most important aspects of health care for local people.

Heather Hauschild, from NHS Hampshire, said: “We know that the Hythe Hospital site is really valued by local people and we need them to tell us what they want from bed-based care and outpatient services in order to ensure there is a consistent, high quality, close to home and affordable service that meets their needs.

“Feedback from these sessions will be used to develop future options for inpatient and outpatient services in the area, including a solution to the issues that caused the temporary closure of inpatient beds.

“When developed these options will be discussed through a second round of engagement in the new year.”

For more information about the drop-in session call 023 8062 7472.