THE chief executive of South Warwickshire Primary Care Trust has sought to allay fears about delays to Alcester Hospital.

In an exclusive interview with the Chronicle, chief executive Catherine Griffiths said the scheme was still a priority.

Fears were growing that £2 million set aside for the new 25-bed hospital, with a day care and outpatient centre and dental, physiotherapy and chiropody treatment suites, could be going to other hospitals after management changes in the local health authority.

Everyone concerned with Alcester Hospital will be listening out in June for the strategic health authority's capital expenditure budget for the coming year - in which Alcester should be included.

Mrs Griffiths also said the PCT was having very early discussions with GPs to see if they could set up a GP practice on site - an idea which is already up and running in Stratford and could use some of the surplus land.