Government minister pledges that Historic cottage hospital in Lutterworth will reopen as vaccination centre

Covid 19 Vaccine Deployment Minister Nadhim Zahawi told the House of Commons that Feilding Palmer Hospital on Gilmorton Road, Lutterworth, is being “actively considered” as the race to vaccinate people is stepped up.

Mr Zahawi broke the positive news after being lobbied by South Leicestershire MP Alberto Costa.

The Conservative MP is calling for the Victorian community hospital, which was founded in 1899, to be urgently reopened so local people can get their coronavirus shots there rather than having to travel at least 10 miles.

Talking remotely from his home, Alberto told Mr Zahawi in the Commons: “I would like to thank the minister and his team for helping me and my team in cajoling, pushing and encouraging the CCG to reopen Feilding Palmer Hospital in Lutterworth as a vaccination centre.

“This is excellent news for the people of Lutterworth and surrounding villages.”

Feilding Palmer Hospital was temporarily shut last May as the ageing 19th century building could not be made totally Covid-19 secure.

Earlier this week, Alberto said: “I have long been making the case for Feilding Palmer’s use during the pandemic.

“This hospital is a tremendous asset for our local communities in South Leicestershire and constituents have often been in touch to request its use.

“I know constituents have been very happy to make their way to Leicester Racecourse in Oadby to receive their vaccine.

“But I have always been clear with residents that I want to make it as easy as possible for those eligible to receive their dose.

"I look forward to continuing working closely with our excellent NHS bodies to roll out the vaccine locally and look forward to seeing the Feilding Palmer Hospital back up and running in the next few weeks.”