PATIENTS are continuing to ask questions about a future replacement for Ilkley's Coronation Hospital in the final stages of public consultation.

Space for car parking, and details of moving services to the Abbeyfield Integrated Care Development in Ilkley have been among the latest issues put to hospital owner Airedale Primary Care Trust (PCT) by members of the community.

The final two public consultation meetings have taken place in the last seven days, this time giving Addingham and Burley-in-Wharfedale people the chance to quiz the PCT.

Unlike the pre-consultation meetings, which saw a low turnout in the village, around 30 people turned up at Addingham Memorial Hall on Friday.

Airedale PCT projects co-ordinator, Anthony Jones, said Addingham people wanted reassurance about car parking provision if a new hospital building was created next to Springs Medical Centre.

The PCT recently revealed a first-impression plan of what such a building could look like, if the re-build option was chosen. So far, the majority of questionnaires returned to the PCT have been in favour of a new building, rather than the alternative of refurbishing the current 99-year-old Springs Lane building.

Mr Jones said Addingham people also asked for more information on the Integrated Care Development, where some of the hospital's services are likely to move. The centre, at the former Grove Convalescent Hospital, Ilkley, will combine a number of facilities for older people.

A further consultation meeting took place at Burley's Queen's Hall on Tuesday.

More than 1,200 consultation documents and questionnaires have been distributed among the community, said Mr Jones, and so far, 93 have been returned - although the PCT is expecting a last-minute rush to return forms just before the consultation period ends on November 15. Most returned forms were sent within the first two weeks of consultation.

More information on public feedback to the consultation will appear on the PCT's website shortly.

Parish councillor and chairman of the Ilkley-based Coronation Hospital campaign group, Councillor Mike Gibbons, welcomed a PCT presentation to Ilkley Parish Council last week.

He said: "I was grateful for the presentation given to us by David Riley of the PCT. That was most helpful.

"Obviously the PCT have to take all their consultations with the public into account and I trust that that they will come up with a proposal for the long term needs of the community."

Coun Gibbons said the petition to save hospital services was still open, but believed the document may already have served its purpose.

"Although people are still welcome to sign the petition, I believe the vast number of signatures acquired has been very, very useful in displaying the feeling within the community with regard to the initial proposals , particularly those of closure," he said.

An official Ilkley Parish Council response to the consultation was discussed by councillors, and its views will be sent directly to the PCT.

l Copies of the consultation document and questionnaire are available from GP surgeries in Addingham, Ilkley and Burley, and at the Coronation Hospital, Christchurch, The Grove, the Clarke Foley Centre, Cunliffe Road, Moor Court Resource Centre, and Ilkley Library. Information is also available by calling Anthony Jones on (01535) 672635, or online at www.airedalepct.nhs.uk.

The Ilkley Gazette-backed petition to save services can still be signed at the Gazette offices, 8 Wells Road, Ilkley.