NEWS that Malvern is finally getting a new hopital has been welcomed by local MP Sir Michael Spicer, who ssaid he could hardly believe his ears.

Sir Michael, who will be retirinmg at the next general election, has been in the forefront of the struggle top repalce the existing hospital for virtually his whole parliamentary career.

"After battling for a new hospital for Malvern for some 30 years I was the first to be told authoritatively that a momentous decision had been made finally to go ahead ," he said. "I am gratified that this decision has been made while I continue to be the responsible MP."

"There is no question that the existing hospital, which has given Malvern such a wonderful service for so long, has become obsolete. I saw this for myself again when I visited Lansdowne Crescent last week. Even the lick of new paint in the wards could not disguise the fact that the hospital falls far short of modern medical requirements.

"It is fortunate that some 20 years ago I managed to help secure the land at Seaford Court so that a site was available for a new hospital to be built there. I did not imagine then that it would take so long to make the decision to do so.

"The challenge now is for the hospital to be built as quickly as possible to the highest standards and to provide the full complement of appropriate services, especially a minor injuries unit."