The future of Wharfedale General Hospital remains in the balance as health chiefs continue to debate the value of three proposed sites.

A meeting of the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust heard that detailed surveys of each potential new site have still be carried out.

Trust members are looking at re-building in three areas: on the existing hospital land at Newall Carr Road; on new land at Garnett's Mill in Otley and redeveloping land and buildings at High Royds Hospital in Menston. But they say each must meet a strict set of criteria.

Issues being considered include transport links, surrounding communities, public support, building and maintenance costs and the environmental and economic impact of development.

Speaking to the board of the trust at Leeds General Infirmary, medical director Dr Mascie Taylor said: "This is a complex, difficult and political process, but we are aiming to reach a conclusion with the criteria."

He said: "There is a wide range of criteria. We want to make sure that everybody is being consulted and all factors have been taken into consideration before a decision is made."

The assessments follow extensive public consultation during the year throughout Wharfedale and into north Leeds.

A campaign to keep Wharfedale General in Otley - either at its existing site or at Garnett's Mill - has the backing of Leeds North-West MP Harold Best, who has urged health chiefs to incorporate an integrated public transport system in any plan.

The new hospital - due to be completed by the year 2002 - will not provide acute medical care, which is now based in Leeds, but will feature in-patient services, surgical services, endoscopy, cardiology and out-patient care.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.