MAJOR investment by volunteers is enabling Ludlow Hospital to remain viable.

This is the view of veteran health campaigner Peter Corfield who is also chairman of the Ludlow Hospital League of Friends.

The League of Friends has funded the provision of ultrasound scanning equipment for Ludlow Hospital at a cost of £65,000.

This means fewer patients trekking to Shrewsbury, Telford or Hereford.

A threatened loss of the audiology clinic has been prevented by The League paying £4,700 for a sound-proof booth to be installed at Ludlow.

“Obviously, without these and other significant contributions it is unlikely that Ludlow Hospital would survive,” said Peter Corfield.

Ludlow Hospital was set for closure but the abandonment at the 11th hour of the proposed new £27milllion hospital and heath village on the Eco Park and a result of Government changes to the NHS gave it a reprieve.

Before this U-turn the present hospital had been described as not fit for purpose and unsuitable for expansion because it is on the same site as the former Workhouse, which is a listed building.

The site that is owned by the property arm of the NHS had been earmarked for housing development.

Last summer two wards at Ludlow Hospital were merged increasing fears about its long term viability.

The hospital is designated as a minor injuries unit and also has a midwife led maternity unit.