A DECISION will be made on whether to build a new Malvern hospital by next spring, health bosses have revealed.

The board of the Worcestershire Community and Mental Health NHS Trust will be asked to make a decision on the plans at their March board meeting.

The proposals were outlined at a presentation given to Worcester District CHC by Jane Beckett from the Trust

She said the project board and team was currently looking at which services could be included in the proposed hospital at Seaford Court.

These could include mental health and palliative care beds, GP services, opticians, dentists and social services, as well as all the services available at the current Malvern Community Hospital.

Once a decision has been made on the possible services, a short list of options - including not going ahead with the scheme - will be made.

It will then be turned into an outline business case, which will be given to the board for approval.

The scheme has come about following a 20-year campaign for a new hospital in Malvern.

The current building is considered to be too old and cramped to be suitable for the future.