THE first patient admitted onto Kidderminster Hospital’s new Wyre Forest Ward has given it the thumbs up, describing it as a “cut above a normal hospital”.

The new ward, which is replacing the axed GP Ward, opened its doors Saturday, November 12, following a refurbishment of Witley Ward.

Ninety-seven year-old war veteran Arthur Leadbetter, who lives in Stourport, was the first patient admitted to the Wyre Forest Ward, after he was moved from the old ward.

Mr Leadbetter said: “This new ward is very luxurious and a cut above a normal hospital.

“We are given great care and attention from very nice staff who always do their best to provide the best care. The room is very up-to-date with a television and modern equipment which I have access to.

“It is a good place to be to recover to get me home.”

Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust agreed with local healthcare commissioners to open a new ward – which is replacing the GP unit. Campaigners who fought to save the GP unit when it was threatened with closure, claimed victory when bosses announced in June they were open a new ward.

Patients who cannot be safely supported at home, or do not need an acute hospital bed, will be admitted to the Wyre Forest Ward.

Phil Shakeshaft, Wyre Forest Ward matron, said: “We are delighted to have finally opened the ward and are pleased to report that the transfer of patients and staff went really well – the ward team worked really hard to get things well prepared for the move and the initial feedback from patients and their families has been very positive.

“We will be working really closely with the community nursing teams who provide care in people’s homes. The teams will be able to refer in to the ward if their patients require additional care on the ward and we will also work together to get the patient well enough to return home as soon as possible.”

He added: “The environment looks really spacious and light and we want the ward to provide not just really good care and treatment, but to help give a positive experience to both the patient and their families and carers too.

“We are developing a ‘John’s Room’ which is part of a national campaign encouraging wards and hospitals to provide facilities for families and carers to stay overnight with someone who has dementia.”

Visiting hours are between 3pm and 5pm, and 6pm and 7.30pm.