THE row over the best route for a Studley bypass has thrown up worries over its impact on the Alexandra Hospital, writes Julian Seva.

It has been revealed the hospital has not been consulted over options for possible bypass routes, despite one proposal for a bypass and feeder road near its Woodrow Drive site.

A 1991 Department of Transport report states a dual carriageway to the west of Studley could double noise levels at the hospital and there are also issues over pollution.

Alternatively, a bypass to the east of Studley could mean a drastic increase in traffic feeding to and from Redditch past the hospital's main entrance.

Warwickshire County Council is now considering the merits of 10 bypass options before deciding which it will pursue next year.

A Worcestershire NHS Acute Hospitals Trust spokesman said: Previous plans did raise some concerns for the Alexandra Hospital.

However, the trust has not discussed the recent plans and would wish to do this before making a comment.

The spokesman said those concerns did include worries over noise pollution and staff accommodation sited near the feeder road.

Warwickshire County Council transport development manager Roger Newham said the NHS Executive office in Birmingham did form part of a consultation group but the hospital had not been directly consulted.

He said that the county council would now be approaching hospital chiefs for their input.