THE development plan for Stratton Community Hospital — revealed in the 'Post' in March this year— has been approved by the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Primary Care Trust, writes Keith Whitford, the editor.

The hospital is set to undergo a phased three-year programme of development and refurbishment when it will be effectively "re-designed."

The League of Friends of Stratton Community Hosp­ital has been asked by the trust to embark on a fund-raising campaign to help share the costs of the project.

A Summer Fete is to be held in the grounds of the hospital on July 11 when residents of the Bude and Stratton area are urged to go along and help to raise money for the work to be undertaken to improve this vital community facility.

The message from the league is: "Please support our hospital and come and meet the staff."

'THRILLED'

The plan will see a first phase involving outpatient services, including minor injuries unit, physiotherapy, minor surgery and dental services.

The second stage will be major works involving inpatient services, the palliative care suite, occupational therapy and include a first floor extension.

The Stratton Hospital League of Friends said in March they were "thrilled with the proposals and are keen to help support the rebuild."

The "exciting plans," were revealed, said a statement, following a regular meeting between Bude/Stratton Comm­unity health Group and the Cornwall and Scilly Isles NHS.

Antek Lejk, the director of partnetship commissioning, says: "We are delighted by the partnership working across the whole community to re-design the hospital and we look forward to improving local services and the environment significantly."

Kevin Baber, the managing director of Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Community Services, adds: "This exciting project will need to be phased to minimise disruption to services as the whole hospital is re-designed and re-organised, but, once it is completed, I know that the improvements for staff and patients will be warmly received."

Stratton is believed to be the second oldest community hospital in the United Kingdon, having opened in 1859.