LYMINGTON'S new £36 million hospital is still on schedule to be completed by the end of the year.

But it is still not known whether the 100-bed hospital at Ampress will be run by the NHS or by an independent healthcare provider.

New Forest Primary Care Trust says that if it was to be run by an independent, "care will be designed, commissioned and funded by the PCT to meet the needs of local people".

Neither will it change the range of services offered in the new hospital set out in the original business case approved by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Strategic Health Authority in 2004.

Chief executive John Richards said: "I would like to stress that we are at a very early stage of discussion with the Department of Health and that no decisions have yet been made.

"As has been envisaged throughout this development, healthcare at the Lymington New Forest Hospital will continue to be funded by the NHS to meet the needs of the community and will be funded from the public purse and free of charge to all.

"These proposals are part of a national drive by the government which will increasingly see NHS care being delivered by a range of providers including local NHS, local private sector and independent sector contractors operating under contract to the NHS.

"The aim of this strategy is to cut waiting times and improve standards."

And he said it provided "an opportunity to offer better local services more cost effectively than in the past".

Meanwhile, the building is nearing completion with all major electrical, ventilation, medical gas systems and heating plant installed. Painting has started in the ground and first floors and nurse bases and reception units are being installed.

The ground floor outpatients' department is nearly complete with two sample rooms kitted out with dispensers, examination lamps, couch, curtains, blinds and bed.

PCT head of estates Paul Johnson said: "The hospital is rapidly taking shape now, which is exciting and all of the works are on course for completion for the opening on January 2, 2007, as planned.

"But work isn't just about the building. We have spent time with local disability groups choosing the best design for the signs so patients and visitors will be able to find their way around the hospital grounds easily."