NHS chiefs leading plans for a new health and community public services hub in Buxton, Derbyshire, are compiling a bid for national funding as part of the Government’s pledge to build 40 new hospitals across the country by 2030.

In October the Government named 32 hospitals, which will form part of the 40 schemes, and is now calling for NHS trusts to submit expressions of interest to be one of the remaining eight sites. 

William Jones, deputy chair of the Buxton Project Control Board and executive board member for Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Despite the inevitable delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we believe we’re in a strong position in Buxton to secure this once-in-a-generation government funding. 

“We’ve already purchased the three-and-a-half-acre site and completed the outline business case following many months of detailed work involving all 11 partners. 

“We’ve also secured outline planning consent from High Peak Borough Council, so the future is looking bright.”

Robert Largan, MP for High Peak, added: “Improving local access to healthcare is a top priority of mine, so I'm very glad that Derbyshire Community Health Services is submitting a bid for funding for the new health hub in Buxton.

“It will be a key part of regenerating the old Buxton Water site, and will be a real benefit to the residents of the town."

The full list of partner organisations is: Derbyshire County Council, High Peak Borough Council, Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust, Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Buxton Medical Practice, Stewart Medical Centre, Elmwood Medical Centre, Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, DHU Health Care, and Blythe House Hospice.  

Retirement homes specialist McCarthy & Stone is also developing an adjoining part of the former Buxton Water site to provide homes for older people. 

Partners involved in developing the health and community services hub continue to work closely with McCarthy and Stone, which has already secured full planning consent from High Peak Borough Council.