Name selected for hospital site

A NAME has been chosen for the new £23m healthcare development at the Beckenham Hospital site.

The facility, due for completion in January 2008, will be called Beckenham Beacon after a competition run by Bromley Primary Care Trust (PCT) and its partners.

Retired physiotherapist Angela Clayton-Turner, 65, of, Pelham Road, Beckenham, chose the name which was selected by an independent panel of judges from 54 entries.

When the naming competition was launched in February it was condemned by critics who wanted to keep the Beckenham Hospital name.

But a PCT spokesman said "We're pleased the panel chose a name which signals something new, connecting with the purpose of the building as well as linking to its location.

"A beacon stands for excellent practice and this is exactly what we are aiming at for people in Beckenham."

The panel was made up of social care portfolio holder Councillor Chris Phillips; Bromley PCT non-executive director Jane Le Baigue; Bromley Hospitals NHS Trust chief executive John Watkinson; and two people each from the hospital's and PCT's Patient and Public Involvement forums.

The new name has been approved by Bromley Council, the London Fire Brigade and Royal Mail.

11:42am Tuesday 5th July 2005