The London NHS Executive has approved the outline business plan submitted by the South West Community Trust, which manages Queen Mary's, to create a community hospital on the Roehampton site. Approval of the business plan has placed the trust on track to open the new hospital in 2003.

A health service review conducted at the hospital identified a need for more community-based services.

The new hospital will house a high-tech outpatients department and minor injuries clinic, elderly rehabilitation beds, mental health and rapid diagnostic services.

Chief executive of the trust Lucy Hadfield welcomed the news. She said: "The new facility will link acute hospitals with accessible community care."