Work on hospital revamp to start

Building work on a £750,000 scheme to refurbish a south Shropshire hospital will start on Monday, it was revealed today.

Shropshire County Primary Care Trust announced that plans are under way to transform the main entrance at Bishop's Castle Community Hospital with a new improved foyer and reception.

"It will also include a new waiting area and improved disabled access.

The refurbishment will also mean that there will be room for 16 in-patients, an extended outpatient area, a garden room extension and patio for patients.

A palliative care suite, designed as a homely and peaceful place for patients nearing the end of their life, with overnight stay room for relatives, is also planned.

Hospital locality manager Colin McLauchlan said: "The staff and local community are very much looking forward to this development. We are keen to crack on with it."

Jo Chambers, chief executive of Shropshire County PCT, said: "We are delighted that the builders are soon going to be on site, to make a reality of the plans which so many people have contributed their ideas to."

Philip Dunne MP said: "This is great news for all in and around Bishop's Castle."

He added: "I look forward to the new and improved hospital being speedily refur- bished on time and budget."