Hospitals bright new welcome (From Western Telegraph)

Hospitals bright new welcome

Withybush Hospitals newly refurbished entrance hall was officially opened on Monday. The event marked the start of National NHS Open Week, organised by Pembrokeshire and Derwen NHS Trust.

In attendance was Stephen Redmond, director of human resources for NHS Wales, who was pleased to attend the first Welsh event during a week which, he said, was intended to celebrate all thats good about the health service.

Work has been going on for the last three months so that the entrance hall will meet current regulations and provide a more attractive and user-friendly environment.

Particular attention has been paid to the needs of those with disabilities. Previously, the sight-impaired had difficulty with the overall darkness of the hall and wheelchair users had to negotiate a number of physical obstructions, said Peter Jackson, the trusts medical director.

The Womens Royal Voluntary Service provided £21,000 for the floor covering in the main concourse and the tea bar area. A further £4,650 will be given to the coloscopy department for completion of work there, and £3,250 towards the refurbishment of the physio waiting area and its tea bar.

Present were pupils of local schools who have been helping to promote NHS Open Week by taking part in competitions organised by the trust. The ribbon cutting ceremony was performed by the colouring competition winner, Coral Head, of Tenby Infants School, and Alice Shuttleworth, winner of the poetry competition. She attends Lamphey School.

Chief executive, Stuart Fletcher, thanked the hospitals patients, visitors and staff for their patience and co-operation during the time the main entrance was closed and congratulated local architect, Wez Spees and contractors, Cottons, on a first-class result.