APPROVAL was today set to be given for a £1.4 million project to turn Felixstowe General into a modern community hospital.Planners were being recommended to give the go-ahead to changes at the site in Constable Road, which will mean work can start as soon as possible on the scheme.

APPROVAL was today set to be given for a £1.4 million project to turn Felixstowe General into a modern community hospital.

Planners were being recommended to give the go-ahead to changes at the site in Constable Road, which will mean work can start as soon as possible on the scheme.

The main sticking point over the plans is the demolition of the old mortuary building.

Town councillors say it would be short-sighted to get rid of the two-storey property as its site is earmarked for only three car parking spaces.

They believe it could be used for a range of health uses in the future as Felixstowe grows - such as staff accommodation, admin offices or storage, or other medical facilities.

If bulldozed now, it would be difficult to rebuild on the site as it is in the conservation area.

Martin Royal, in charge of the refurbishment project for the Suffolk Primary Care Trust, was due to speak to Suffolk Coastal's south area development control sub committee.

He was due to tell them the mortuary is derelict and could not be brought back into use without spending £120,000, which the cash-strapped PCT does not have.

There is currently no need for extra accommodation and the removal of the mortuary, last used four years ago, would allow the car parking to be completely reorganised and ten extra spaces to be added - vital because of the proposed increased use of the hospital.

The revamp of the hospital will include a new dining area, a spacious day room, minor operations suite, new toilets, showers and bathrooms, a children's minor injury unit, disabled facilities, and a lift to provide access for all to the first floor.

There will be 16 beds in five single rooms, and then small wards of two, four and five beds.

Around 20 clinics treating a wide variety of illnesses and conditions will be provided as well as the minor injuries unit and x-ray department.

Refurbishment will start in late autumn and the General is expected to be reopened to the public again by May next year.

WEBLINK: www.suffolkeast.nhs.uk/felixstowehospital.wmv

What clinics and services would you like to see in the new Felixstowe General? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk