New hospital ward throws open its doors (From Gazette & Herald)

New hospital ward throws open its doors

A UNIQUE chance to look around Malton Hospital's brand new ward is on offer this weekend.

The new Fitzwilliam Ward, which forms the first part of a two-phase revamp of the hospital, will be ready for its first patients on June 20. However, before they arrive and the furniture is put in place, friends, staff and health bosses want to give residents the opportunity to see first-hand the impressive new building.

"I had some idea of what it would be like from the plans, but you really can't imagine until you see it," said Sue Appleyard, who runs the Malton Hospital charity shop for the League of Friends.

The event will be held between 2pm and 4pm on Sunday. Tea and scones will be on sale in the dining room on the day.

The new building is light, airy and spacious with a calming pale yellow and blue colour scheme, and contains 24 beds, including four single, two double and four four-bed rooms, as well as a brand new dining and seating area, and French windows opening on to two garden areas complete with water features.

"It's a big capital investment going into the enhancement of local community services," said Bob Clement, a non-executive director of the primary care trust board. "That's good to see in its own right, and it fits into the PCT's plans for developing primary and community care."

"It's been a long time coming," said Bruce Millar, a former chairman of the League of Friends. "But now it's practically completed, we are all very impressed."

Brenda Beal, vice-chairman of the League of Friends, said: "I think the big difference this will make is in patient comfort, giving people more space and privacy, and also it will be a better, more modern and comfortable work place for staff."

Phase two will bring yet more facilities to out-patients, including physiotherapy, minor injuries, dental service and X-ray. Phase two will commence as soon as phase one is complete, and it is due to finish in summer 2006.

In the meantime, the League of Friends has launched a bumper raffle this summer, to help to raise funds for those finishing touches and added extras which are not covered by Government funding. "We have agreed to buy a hot food trolley and curtains for the ward, and there is plenty more we would like to buy," said Sue.

There is a top prize of £1,000 up for grabs, followed by £500 and £250 for the runners-up, and tickets costing 50p will be available across the district, at Malton, Ryedale and Thornton-le-Dale agricultural shows, as well as pubs and from individuals. Tickets will be on sale at Sunday's open day.

For more information, drop into the hospital shop on Newbiggin or call (01653) 698183.

Updated: 10:38 Wednesday, June 08, 2005