Work on the new hospital in Lichfield is expected to start in summer this
year, says Minister of Health Stephen Ladyman in a written Parliamentary
Answer to Michael Fabricant. The question and answer as they appear in
Hansard appear below:-

Hospital Construction (Lichfield)
Michael Fabricant : To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) when
construction will commence on the new hospital at the St. Michael’s site in
Lichfield; and if he will make a statement; [160789]
(2) how many car parking spaces will be made available to (a) staff
and (b) visitors at the St. Michael’s site in Lichfield once the
construction of the new hospital is completed; [160790]
(3) how many square metres have been set aside for future expansion
of the new hospital at the St. Michael’s site in Lichfield once it is
completed. [160791]
Dr. Ladyman: Shropshire and Staffordshire Strategic Health Authority expects
construction of the new hospital to start during the summer of this year.
There will be a total of 217 car parking spaces. Of these, 58 will be
specifically for staff and patients using mental health services. There will
be an additional 117 public car parking spaces, and 42 reserved for staff.
1,400 square metres have been identified for expansion, plus a further 65
parking spaces.

Michael Fabricant says: "I am relieved to learn that there is still room
for hospital expansion as the population of Lichfield rises inexorably. As
Lichfield grows in size, so will our health care needs. It was important to
get this on the parliamentary record.

"I remain concerned that there will be fewer facilities in the new hospital
than those that were available in the Victoria and Hammerwich Hospitals.
Local councillors and residents will, I hope, keep me informed of the impact
on the locality arising from the number of parking spaces available at the
hospital".