Calls for pharmacy and blood test service at Milford War Memorial Hospital

RESIDENTS have made their wishes known about the future of Milford War Memorial Hospital ahead of development plans being unveiled for the site.

In a survey by the facility's League of Friends, pharmacy services, physiotherapy and blood tests topped the wish list of responses from 1,485 people – around a third of the village’s adult population.

The hospital closed to inpatients more than 14 years ago, and hopes to reopen beds have been extinguished as it has been overtaken by regional facilities in Lymington, Bournemouth and Southampton.

Now the Milford League of Friends Health Hub – which has dropped hospital from its name – is trying to gauge local opinion about what should happen next.

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board (ICG), which delivers medical services in the New Forest, said no decisions had been made about the use of space on the hospital site.

A spokesperson promised local people will be consulted before decisions are made.

Speaking for the League of Friends, Paul Highett-Smith said: “The aim of the eight-week study was to find out what residents wanted most from their health centre.

“Top of the wish list with a vote of 91% and 92% respectively was a pharmacy and the availability locally of blood tests.

"A number of other services were proposed by those surveyed which included physiotherapy, mental health clinics and women’s health services.”

It is now hoped the hospital could be changed to include a health hub for clinics, blood tests and mental health services and other community based clinics.

Mr Highett-Smith continued: “We believe the NHS now have Milford in their focus after many years of no activity.

"But at this moment we do not have much more to say on this matter - it is too early.”

The current hospital first opened in Sea Road in 1930, although there was a previous facility on the same site.

It was created with donations from local residents as a memorial to the 37 villagers who lost their lives in the First World War. The names of all 267 men who served are displayed in the entrance hall.

Mr Highett-Smith said the charity remained “completely committed to upholding the integrity of the war memorial”.

Other suggestions put forward in the survey included leg ulcer care, better balance clinics, ear and eye services, dermatology, respite care, mother and baby clinics, keep fit classes, x-rays and scans.

Milford War Memorial Hospital is currently a designated vaccination site with the autumn delivery programme set to start in early September.

Other services currently delivered at the site include a local pharmacy, dialysis service and GP practice.

Catherine Bowell, interim managing director for South West Hampshire at Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICG, said: “We have been working closely with local partners, such as the League of Friends, healthcare providers and residents to understand more about the needs of local people and how we can make best use of the space at Milford War Memorial Hospital.

"Our project team is currently working on the plans following the period of patient engagement earlier in the year, and we will be keeping the community updated as this progresses.”

To read the survey results, visit www.healthhub-milfordlof.co.uk