Hospital plans get green light

8:35am Thursday 28th August 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

The programme of improvements at Ludlow Community Hospital has been endorsed by both in- and out-patients. Shropshire Primary Care Trust is committed to submitting an outline business case to re-develop and expand the facilities at Ludlow, supported by the hospital League of Friends. The initiative has already produced benefits for patients.

“Following an accident I had to be admitted to RSH where they replaced my fractured hip. The treatment at RSH was very good and efficient and then I was transferred to Ludlow for rehabilitation. I cannot speak too highly of the treatment at Ludlow – the kindness, concern and constant attention of the very busy staff was superb,” said Bob Howarth of Ludlow. “Everything from the excellent food, cleanliness and care was Rolls Royce standard. The new beds provided by the League of Friends are superb and I welcome the news that all beds in Stretton and Clee Wards are to be replaced by The League to improve patient comfort. ”

The improvements are not confined to in-patients – new clinics and better diagnostics are already in place. Margaret Goodwin of Richards Castle, attending an outpatients’ clinic at Ludlow Hospital, was told by her consultant that X-rays were needed. “My initial concern was that I’d have to go to Shrewsbury or Hereford, but within a few minutes I had an X-ray in the hospital and 15 minutes later I was back with the consultant who had my X-rays on his computer screen. It was brilliant – and saved me a very long journey, said Margaret.”

The PCT recently installed the computerised PACS X-ray system at Ludlow at a cost of £60,000. This equipment now transmits images electronically to consultants and GPs in the locality, reducing waiting times and eliminating unnecessary journeys for patients.

The League of Friends is supporting the improvements at Ludlow Hospital by providing additional equipment to improve patient comfort and improved diagnostics. “As these testimonials show, we are seeing significant improvements at Ludlow Hospital, which three years ago was threatened with closure. We fully support the PCT’s new vision for care closer to home and their plans to redevelop Ludlow Hospital,” said Peter Corfield, chairman of the League of Friends.