Consultations on a new-look Andover hospital are nearing completion with detailed plans due to be considered by the managing trust in the next few months.

Andrew Liles, director of planning for Winchester and Eastleigh NHS Healthcare Trust which took over the town site a year ago when the local NHS trust was dissolved, revealed this week that the Andover exercise had been carried out in conjunction with investigations into the entire estate managed by the Winchester trust.

In Andover the condition of the hospital had been studied to discover what maintenance issues were involved and to ascertain the long-term needs of the hospital in terms of buildings.

Mr Liles told the Andover Advertiser: "A major conclusion was that the out-patients department, including radiology and medical records, and the health centre needed to be replaced. Plans are now being discussed on how this can be done through a substantial capital investment, plus there could be some improvement and redesign of parts of the remaining hospital.

"We are also looking at the organisation of departments, some of which could be better located in relation to each other."

The new developments at Andover will probably take place fairly quickly, over the next few years.

"It will not happen immediately but in two years' time it will be quite clear that things are beginning to happen.

"The consultation which is taking place is not just an academic exercise," the planning director emphasised.

The financial implications of the scheme for the War Memorial Hospital are now being considered with the Winchester trust also working in conjunction with the GP Mid Hampshire Primary Group, due to become a trust in April, on the practicalities of moving the health centre.

Side-by-side discussions are also taking place with Alan Jones, chief executive of Test Valley Borough Council, on what other possible services and developments could take place on the Charlton Road site.

Andrew Liles acknowledged the great pride Andover residents have in the hospital.

"Winchester trust has completed its first year running the hospital in Andover and realises now, more than ever, the important role it has for the people of Andover.

"We are committed to maintaining that while trying to improve services.

"It is necessary to realise how important a future there is for Andover hospital, that local partnerships are formed and that is how we would like to proceed."