Larger renal unit sought by West Berks hospital

Last September, Newbury and Thatcham Hospital Buildings Trust were given permission for a two-storey renal dialysis unit at the Thatcham hospital.
The unit, which would be sited in the hospital grounds in Rooke’s Way, would have been able to deal with up to 10 patients, who currently have to travel to Reading’s Royal Berkshire Hospital for treatment.
Now, the trust is applying for a new building, of the same height and one that would still be able treat 10 patients at a time, but with an increased floor area.
The trust has said that this would improve patient treatment areas.
The increase will see an extension to the north of the current two-storey building and will increase the footprint by 407.5sq m.
A statement on behalf of the agent, KPW Architects, said: “It is considered that the proposal offers a sustainable solution to the requirement to locate a renal satellite unit in Newbury through the use of an existing hospital site.”
There are currently about 24 patients from West Berkshire using the dialysis unit in Reading.
If approved, the building will be funded by various sources including the buildings trust itself, which would provide £1m of the estimated £1.8m cost, as well as Greenham Common Trust and various other undisclosed groups.
Newbury Town Council raised no objections to the application at its planning and highways meeting on Monday, and Thatcham Town Council’s planning and environment committee is due to discuss it at its meeting this evening (Thursday).
West Berkshire Council is due to make a final decision on the application by July 9.