THE Primary Care Trust is to invest £800,000 in Stratton Hospital in 2009/10.

At its annual general meeting held in Bude on September 16, the NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly confirmed plans to improve facilities at Stratton Hospital.

The Primary Care Trust confirmed its capital plan includes £800,000 for Stratton Hospital this year with a further £1million proposed for next year.

The money will be spent on improving the building and modernising the facilities, which are of great importance to the community of Stratton and Bude.

Antek Lejk, the director of partnership commissioning for the Primary Care Trust, said: "This investment shows that we are committed to the future of this important local facility.

"We have already invested in services at the hospital for example significantly reducing waiting times for physiotherapy services. The improvements will allow more services that are currently provided in an acute hospital to be provided locally."

Candy Baker, the chair of the League of Friends for Stratton Hospital, said: "I welcome the clarity provided by the Board and its commitment to move forward with improving the local hospital."

Local people, staff and patients are being involved in developing the plans and we are working closely with the League of Friends but work will include improvements to outpatient services (including minor injuries unit, physiotherapy, minor surgery and dental services), inpatient services, palliative care suite, occupational therapy and there will be a first floor extension.

SEE this week's 'Post' for a report on the meeting including an attack on "the target culture" that fails to meet the needs of individuals.