Plans for a £13million community hospital for Ashford received a massive boost this week.

Health ministers announced the Government is to plough £9million into long-standing plans to transform the old Ashford hospital site at Kings Avenue into a multi-purpose clinic, providing a range of services.

The news has been welcomed by health trust bosses. They say it will give patients access to many services, including x-rays, scans, blood tests, minor injuries and minor illnesses, post and antenatal care, physiotherapy and speech and language therapy.

It is also possible some minor day surgery will be carried out at the clinic and there will be longer opening hours.

The Eastern and Coastal Kent Primary Care Trust, which will develop the community hospital, said it was delighted. It also sought to reassure those concerned that the new centre could lead to a reduction in GPs elsewhere, emphasising that the town’s growth meant it would complement existing surgeries.

Amanda Harrison, PCT director of strategic development, said “The needs of local people and the growing population clearly indicate that Ashford merits the expansion of health care premises in the area.

“This site development offers a great opportunity to provide more treatments in community settings, so that people won’t have to travel an acute hospital site as they often need to now.”

The remaining £4million needed for the health centre, which should be open by June, 2011, is expected to come from the sale of surplus land and buildings.

The plans are in the early stages of development, according to the trust and the next key stage will come with a planning application to Ashford council.

Ashford MP Damian Green said: “I am delighted that after so many years waiting, we are going to see the benefit of a new medical centre easily accessible to people in the town and the area.”

Making the announcement, health minister Ben Bradshaw said: “A modern NHS need a signficant amount of care provided in the community, closer to people’s homes. This suits peoples’ daily lives and help patients maintain their independence.”