FELIXSTOWE'S Bartlet Hospital is likely to be put up for sale next month, it was revealed today.Although the convalescent and rehabilitation unit will still be in use for medical services until probably the middle of next year, health chiefs expect a sale to take several months to negotiate and conclude - especially if a prospective buyer needs permission for a change of use.

FELIXSTOWE'S Bartlet Hospital is likely to be put up for sale next month, it was revealed today.

Although the convalescent and rehabilitation unit will still be in use for medical services until probably the middle of next year, health chiefs expect a sale to take several months to negotiate and conclude - especially if a prospective buyer needs permission for a change of use.

However, they are keen to sell it as soon as possible to help their financial situation - with the building and its annexe likely to sell for more than £3.5 million.

That was the value the Primary Care Trust's estate experts put on the 80-year-old listed clifftop property three years ago, and it is likely to have increased in value since.

It is understood the PCT has already had some inquiries from prospective purchasers, although details of these remain confidential.

Observers believe the most likely future use is a conversion for exclusive luxury apartments with panoramic seaviews, though there has been talk of a possible private medical use.

Mike Ninnmey , a member of the Felixstowe Save Our Hospitals Action Group, said details of the sale plan had been given at a meeting between PCT officials and town councillors.

“We have been told the marketing of the Bartlet will start in November and the building should be available to a new owner when it is closed in June next year,” he said.

“It is very sad but there is little now that we can do about it.

“I think it will be very interesting to see who is interested in purchasing the Bartlet - with the building now listed, it will restrict what can be done to it, although conversion to flats would not be impossible.

“The best solution would be some private medical use, keeping the building in use for what it was built and intended, and we know it is a fine building for convalescence and care - even though the PCT have said it is no longer fit for purpose.”

The PCT has said the hospital is no longer needed as people will be convalescing at home in future, looked after by travelling care teams.