THE consultation process over the new Malvern Hospital will continue unchanged, despite recent developments.

South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust confirmed this week that forthcoming public meetings in the town would follow the same pattern as previous ones, in the interests of fairness.

This is despite Malvern Hills District Council withdrawing the offer of its former depot as a potential site and this week proposing to fund the building of the hospital.

PCT spokesman Janet Ferguson said it was important the public was presented with the same information at each meeting, in order to make a balanced judgment.

Many had hoped that, with Seaford Court left as the only potential site, the PCT would now focus the consultation on detailed plans for the hospital itself.

Pat Merrick, of Malvern Hospital League of Friends, said: "I had hoped we would talk in detail about the the district council's funding offer. We've got the site, surely we want to be talking about the basic things that go on it and the shape of the building?

"If that's their idea of a consultation then I'm afraid they will have even more frustrated people to deal with. Doesn't it seem a waste of a golden opportunity to bring everybody together?"

The next two public consultation meetings take place at the Forum, Malvern Theatres, at 7pm on Monday, February 21, and at noon on Tuesday, February 22.

Next week, Malvern Town Council will issue 16,000 leaflets to every home in Malvern, at a cost of £5,000 urging people to attend the meetings.

The council is pressing for a minimum of 32 beds, a day time minor injuries unit and room for expansion.