Acting Shadow Health Minister John Barritt is urging the public to weigh in on recently revealed plans for the Island's new hospital.

Residents have 14 days to examine the detailed plan and give their opinion on it. The Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB) announced on Friday that contracts for the redevelopment of the new hospital will be signed next month.

Construction is expected to begin as early as December. Mr. Barritt said: "In the wake of last week's public meetings on the plans to redevelop the hospital, I urge people to take time to look through the detailed plans of the proposed development.

"The websites of the BHB and Paget Health Services provide an overview of the project, though I am informed one has to go to the Planning Department to see the hospital Planning application in full detail.

"Area residents and concerned citizens from across the Island have just 14 days to review and submit either an objection or suggestions that may be incorporated into the plan.

"This may be particularly worthwhile when it comes to lessening nuisance, noise and traffic during construction."

The facility will be designed, built, financed and maintained for the next 30 years by Paget Health Services.

It has a projected cost of $315 million and will be fitted with an atrium and offer oncology, dialysis and diabetes services and have 90 single patient rooms.

The MP said there is a lot of information in the documents including environmental impact, building heights and footprints, sewage treatment plans, anticipated traffic impact and ambient building noise.

"The public presentation only gave us a glimpse into what is involved in this enormous project, now budgeted to cost $315 million. And so I urge people to make the effort to see for themselves. The project warrants continued close examination and evaluation every step of the way, and this step — the next 14 days for objection and comment — is critical."

For more information visit www.pagethealthservices.com.