April 11, 1980

WORK on Redditch's new £18 million district general hospital is to go ahead - despite a cash crisis which means there may be no funds available to run it after completion.

County health watchdogs have expressed fears that parts of the new hospital will remain empty because of spending cutbacks.

At current prices, they say the Woodrow hospital will cost about £5 million a year to run efficiently by the time it is open in 1987.

In a report to the Redditch District councillors, Mr James Waites said there was only £140,000 available for health service improvements.

Now Redditch councillors are to make a special plea to health minister Dr Gerard Vaughan to release more government money to the town when he visits on April 18.