General Questions from Councillors - To comment and question
Minutes:
Q:- Only three months ago we saw plans and design proposals for the development of Kings Ave and there was no question that it would not go ahead. We are alarmed that plans got that far advanced but now the building stops and we would like a fuller explanation of why the project has now been pulled.
A:- In developing the business case full consultation had to take place; including engagement events with local residents to discuss the plans and service provisions. However, the project does not now represent value for money for the local health economy. The scheme now is financially unworkable.
Q. There have been meetings about Kings Ave for at least four years. The shortfall in revenue funding was identified in 2008. The amount of time and money already spent is a disgrace. Didn’t you have doubts about the project before now?
A. The service requirements have changed and services are being delivered elsewhere. However, a number of things identified in health care provision will be of use whether or not we went ahead with Kings Ave.
Q. What action did the non-executive members take?
A. When we inherited the project from Ashford PCT we were very optimistic and of course everyone is now disappointed. The whole Board decided that the scheme is not viable. They recognized that we can’t invest in a new building when existing buildings are not fully utilized.
Q.How much have you spent to date?
A. Over the years £1.5m has been spent on the project but over £1m would have been spent anyway to dispose of the old hospital and clear the site. Also much of the consultancy work has been salvaged for use elsewhere in providing services.
Q. What services would have been better provided if you had not wasted that money?
A. That money will come back into the public purse once the site is sold.
Q. We can’t believe the scheme was going ahead while at the same time you were enhancing the services with local GPs and you did not know this would have an adverse impact on the viability of the Kings Ave.
A. Expanding and offering services to meet health needs in GP surgeries and community settings like the Gateway and Stour Centre
was planned but there are other reasons which also informed the PCT Board’s decision to stop the proposed development like the revenue gap, the capital requirement, the impact of the economic downturn as well as less activity required at Kings Ave.
Q. Where was plan “b” for the revenue shortfall? And will Costain the contractor get compensation for the broken contract?
A. The process meant there was no formal contract with Costain. It was thought that there would be value in delivering services in one place however there are now alternative locations providing this and we face new financial challenges. The figures did not add up and there was no advantage to just scaling back some of the proposed ... view the full minutes text for item 4