Leaders of York’s council and its health service joined together today to condemn the decision to sell Bootham Park hospital and grounds from under them.
City of York Council and health partners asked government ministers to pause the sale while they worked alongside NHS Property Services to explore the potential future developments on the site.
That request has been blatantly snubbed as it emerged today (Friday 22 February) that the Department of Health are proceeding with the sale to the highest bidder.
This flies in the face of a huge campaign to save the site for the city, involving MPs, councillors and hundreds of residents.
In a rare joint statement, council chief executive Mary Weastell, CEO of York Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Mike Proctor, and Phil Mettam of the Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group expressed their dismay.
Disappointing news
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We have worked hard together to develop an alternative plan to make the site deliver for York, so we are very disappointed with this outcome.
Our efforts certainly don’t end here. We will continue working together to help NHS Property Services work with any bidders to understand the importance of the site and the opportunities it could offer the people of York.
We would like to thank all the residents and the local community for contributing to discussions about the future of the site.
We understand that you will share our disappointment at this news.
We have many opportunities as a partnership, neighbouring landowners and planning authority to represent your many comments and ideas for Bootham Park – from transport links to respecting the site’s heritage – in our discussions with bidders to shape their plans for the site.
Incredibly short sighted
Cllr Chris Cullwick, Liberal Democrat vice-chair of the health, housing and adult social care committee, said:
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This decision to sell Bootham Park to the highest bidder is a regrettable decision taken by this Conservative Government, and it is incredibly short-sighted that the aspirations of people in the city have been ignored.
I have referred this issue to scrutiny, so that members from all parties can best analyse how the council approaches the Government’s preferred bidder, in order to secure some benefits for the city.
Truly disappointed – the grounds should remain open space for the city citizens use. Come on Historic England – add them to the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens
Extend the campaign. Please keep going, all those involved.
This is disgusting! This blxxxy government is not for the people of this country! It’s for themselves, none of them think about what the people want/need in any situation. God knows how this will all end. Bootham hospital belongs to York people!! They just don’t listen and don’t want to know. Our country is in a worst state than I’ve ever known – all down to this government! I have lots of faith in Rachel Maskell though.she listens to us ordinary people!
I personally would have liked to see the “CHAIR of York of Health and Housing, The Leader of the Council. York has now seen the Lose of one of its Gems. Their are other Historical Sire liable to go as well. A very sad day for the City of York
Wouldn’t it be sensible to use the old buildings and adapt them for any expansion of the existing hospital? York is a teaching Trust and this city is continually expanding; there will be a greater need for a larger hospital as the population grows. The need for hospital services and the teaching/research for and by students will always be required. Last year I went to a physio class in a temporary building on this site and found it is a good site for all the complementary services given by the local health authority. A swimming pool could be added quite easily on this site for further physiotherapy needs. Many outpatient clinics could be added to the site, without costing the NHS or the Health Authority a great deal to keep and adapt the present building and site.