Paddington hospital in the balance

A last-ditch attempt has been mounted to save the massive Paddington hospital scheme, it emerged today.

Ministers have so far failed to sign off a deal which would see two hospital trusts and Imperial College London converge on one site next to Paddington station.

The sticking point is understood to be the cost, which could top ?1billion.

Westminster council now says it is prepared to "swap" land it owns for the proposed 3.2-acre hospital site, saving ?60 million. Ministers are understood to be considering the move.

Cllr Simon Milton, Leader of Westminster City Council, said: "For many years we have supported the idea of a hospital with international teaching excellence in Westminster.

"Given previous failures, Westminster has stepped in to broker a number of land deals which reduce the cost and will deliver excellent health facilities at a significant reduction to that of previous schemes. Not only does it do that, it also offers a chance to transform one of the most complex areas in London."