THE waiting game over the future of the Chase Community Hospital is continuing, with the health authority still in suspense over whether it has the funding to save the MacIlwain ward from the chop.

If the North and Mid Hampshire Health Authority (NMHHA) is to put forward fresh plans for the future of the hospital, it must start a formal consultation period by Monday.

But until it knows the outcome of a funding bid to the government, its hands are tied.

The health authority had previously agreed that it will hold a four-week consultation blitz if it secures funding for a refurbished 24-bed ward at the Bordon hospital.

This is because the existing health authority is disbanding and being replaced by a new strategic health authority at the end of March, and the future of the hospital must be known within the remaining lifetime of the NMHHA.

The consultation will also be rushed through in a bid to bring to an end the uncertainty surrounding the hospital, which has been losing staff since the original proposals were first put together last year.

As The Herald went to press the outcome of the funding bid was still not known, but if successful, it will put a stop to the cost-cutting plans to close the only ward at the Chase.

Health bosses would use the government grant to create 51 intermediate care bed placements - 12 of which would be at the Chase.

In a revised scheme, BordonÕs hospital would house a refurbished 24-bed ward with the remaining 12 beds being used and paid for by social services as nursing home beds.

A separate funding bid has also been submitted to pay for a new primary care diagnostic and treatment centre at the Chase, although the outcome of this funding application is not known either.

A medical day assessment unit would be established at the hospital, where local residents will also be able to take advantage of newly-provided pre-assessment, minor injuries and diagnostic services.

Existing services at the hospital, including out-patient clinics, physiotherapy, family planning and chiropody, will also be beefed up and improved.

But without knowing whether the funding applications were successful, health bosses agreed last month to defer their decision on the original closure plans until the outcome is known.

Health authority spokesman Adrian Osborne said: ÒUnfortunately we are still waiting and we donÕt know what we will find out whether we have the funds or not, but we are hoping that we will know very soon.Ó