DROITWICH is unlikely to ever have a community hospital, it has been announced.

Chairman of Worcestershire Community and Mental Health NHS Trust John Calvert delivered the blunt message when he revealed the authority was reviewing the role of hospitals in the county.

He was replying to a query from the public about health services in the Spa at a trust board meeting in Bromsgrove on Tuesday December 5.

Mr Calvert said: "The old idea of the cottage hospital is long gone.

"What is required is heath resources, centres, day clinicians, out patient facilities and, who knows, if it is required some bed facilities as well.

"I can't say there will be a community hospital but we will work to find the right skills and health services in Droitwich.

"But if you want a community hospital - forget it."