THE future of asbestos-hit Heanor Memorial Hospital is to be discussed at two public meetings this month.
The hospital has been closed to patients since last year after the potentially deadly material was discovered in a boiler room during a routine inspection by staff in September.
It means clinics and services have been moved temporarily to Ilkeston Community Hospital.
Since then, bosses at the NHS Southern Derbyshire Clinical Commissioning Group said they have been trying to find the "best way forward" for the hospital.
But they also said they want to look at "the role of other health services" in the area too – including the health centre in Wilmot Street and care provided in people's own homes.
At a meeting in July, the group said it had funding for a new £2.5m health unit in the town, providing services including care for dementia patients, mental health and general clinics.
It was told maternity and minor injuries units would not be included as there would not be enough demand.
The group has now started a 90-day consultation period on the proposals and is holding the meetings as part of this. They will take place at All Saints Church, Marlpool, on Thursday, August 7, from 2pm until 4pm and at Heanor Town Hall on the same day from 6pm until 8pm.
Andy Layzell, chief officer of the group, said: "We look forward to meeting with local people from Heanor and surrounding areas at the two meetings.
"We have been clear in saying what our preferred option is but this does not mean that a decision has been made."
To book a place at one of the meetings, call Derby 868677 or e-mail enquiries@southernderbyshireccg.nhs.uk.
