A MONTH-LONG consultation has been launched to find out which services residents would like to see at a planned new hospital.

Greenwich Teaching Primary Care Trust (PCT) wants to hear people's views on Eltham Community Hospital, which it hopes will replace Eltham and Mottingham House, a care home in Passey Place, Eltham.

Services already suggested by the trust include a seven-days-a-week GP practice, an urgent care centre for minor illnesses and injuries, minor surgery, and maternity care.

Other ideas range from treatments and therapies for back pain and sports injuries, as well as X-rays, blood tests and heart function tests.

A spokesman for the PCT said: "People have expressed a strong desire to see a new community hospital developed on the old Eltham and Mottingham site, and the Department of Health this year pledged more than four million pounds to support the scheme."

But Delia Paton, who lives in nearby Passey Place, is against the idea and claims access to a new larger hospital will be a major problem.

The 52-year-old said: "I think it's a ridiculous idea. These roads are designed for residents, not for major access routes. Where is everyone going to park?"

However, director of adult community services at the trust Jill Bell replied: "We are employing an independent expert to carry out a trans- port and parking impact assessment."

The privately run Eltham and Mottingham House care home provides specialist care for up to 20 terminally ill people.

If replaced, its services would be moved, but a decision has not been made as to where.

A planning application for the new hospital will not be submitted until after the consultation period.

MEETING POINTS

FRIDAY: Charlton Assembly Hall, Charlton Road, Charlton (12.30pm - 2.00pm) SATURDAY: A stand on the corner of Eltham High Street and Passey Place (10am - 4pm) OCTOBER 2: St Mary's Community Centre, 180 Eltham High Street (11am, 3pm and 7pm) OCTOBER 13: Woolwich Town Hall, Wellington Street (1pm - 2.30pm)