Cash boost for hospital (From Stroud News and Journal)

Cash boost for hospital

THE future of Stroud Maternity Hospital looked bright this week as staff celebrated news of a much needed cash windfall.

Staff heard on Thursday that £86,000 was to be given to the town's maternity unit as part of a £100 million government investment programme.

The money is being distributed across the country to modernise and improve maternity services.

Professional head of midwifery, Michelle Poole spoke about her reaction to the news.

"I was like a Cheshire cat when I heard," she said.

"It will enable us to make internal changes to bring the unit back into the 21st Century with improved security and confidentiality in clinic areas."

Work, funded by the Severn NHS Trust, to upgrade the wards is also due to begin in November.

Bathrooms and toilets will be improved and new heating, windows and flooring will be installed.

Mrs Poole went on to say: "There has been no money spent on the ward area since the League of Friends refurbishment in 1992.

"So I'm absolutely delighted because with this money we will be able to make the unit a lot more comfortable for women and their families."

For full story see this week's News & Journal.