PLANS for a new community hospital in Bicester took a major step forward after health bosses gave outline approval to an £8m development.

NHS Oxfordshire agreed to provide a new 12-bed hospital for the town with a minor injury unit, physio, X-ray and outpatient clinics in one building.

The decision has delightedcampaigners who have pressed for a new hospital for 40 years.

The current hospital was built 102 years ago and is no longer fit for purpose, according to health chiefs.

Some services are in temporary buildings and patients have to be ferried round the site by ambulance.

NHS bosses will now launch a tendering process for bidders to provide an economically viable hospital alongside a larger nursing home facility.

A total of 11,038 people signed a petition calling for the new hospital.

Campaign leader Les Sibley, a member of Bicester Town Council and Cherwell District Council, said: “It’s been a great victory for us. We have won the argument that the services should be in one building.

“This is the number one priority for the people of Bicester.

“Bicester’s current hospital has done a fantastic job but it is outdated and will not be able to meet the future demands and pressures that Bicester residents need.”

NHS Oxfordshire is considering three locations for the new hospital.

They include the current site in Kings End, one in London Road and another south west of Bicester at Kingsmere.

Mr Sibley said the seven-acre site at Kingsmere would allow NHS bosses greater opportunities to expand the hospital in future years.

Dr Michael Curry, chairman of the Community Hospital Engagement Forum, said: “This is the first time NHS Oxfordshire has got this far.”

Dr Curry, a retired Bicester GP, added: “The problem with a new hospital has always been affordability.

“Notwithstanding the present economic climate, the PCT board has given the green light to see what developers can come up with.”

NHS Oxfordshire’s executive board will meet in December to review detailed plans for the hospital and where it should go.

It is hoped it could be built by October 2013.

Cherwell district councillor David Hughes said: “I’m absolutely delighted. We know this hospital provision has to be made.”

NHS Oxfordshire’s director of strategy and quality, Catherine Mountford, said: “A great deal of hard work has gone into ensuring the plan to provide health facilities for the people of Bicester takes this significant step forward.”