Bishop's Castle hospital redevelopment to end soon

A £1.3 million redevelopment of a south Shropshire cottage hospital is due to be completed within the next few weeks, health bosses revealed today.

Ten beds with built-in entertainment systems have already been made available for patients at Bishop's Castle Community Hospital as part of the first phase of a two-year project.

A further five beds, a new entrance and reception area, outpatients department and a palliative care suite with overnight stay facilities will be unveiled next month.

Supporters and fundraisers in the town are delighted at the news and say they are looking forward to the facilities being completed.

The project has been largely funded from a £750,000 investment from Shropshire County Primary Care Trust, while members of Bishop's Castle Friends of the Community, Home and Hospital have also pledged £80,000 towards televisions, modernising the chiropody equipment, furniture, art work and wood flooring.

New facilities include internet and Skype connections in the hospital's day room, while entertainment systems on each bed include individual televisions and radios. A shared walled garden will also be provided as part of the project.

No date has yet been set for the completion of the work but a grand unveiling is planned for early next year. The first phase was completed in December.

Judith Payne, vice chair of the Friends committee, said: "We are absolutely delighted with our prospective new hospital. Many facilities are already up and running but we hope the rest will open in the autumn and we will have a formal opening next year."

Colin McLauchlan, of Shropshire County PCT, said: "We are really pleased with the progress on the refurbishment."