Tony Deahl, Chairman of the Friends of Burnham-On-Sea’s War Memorial Hospital, was joined by Ian Tipney, the Chief Executive of NHS Somerset, for a special visit to the facilities this week as the hospital’s £740,000 refurbishment continues to progress.
The hospital’s new Outpatients, Minor Injury Unit, kitchen and mens ward have been completed, and work is still to be completed on some side rooms, two bedded areas and the day room.
As previously reported by Burnham-On-Sea.com, the Friends of Burnham War Memorial Hospital have donated £300,000 to support the major refurbishment of the hospital, with NHS Somerset contributing over £400,000.
Tony Deahl, Chairman of the Friends of the Hospital, said: “We are delighted with the work completed so far. The staff have been magnificent in the positive way in which they have coped with the inevitable difficulties brought about by such a major refurbishment. They deserve our thanks and appreciation.”
“Patients privacy, dignity, security and infection control have been the major aims of the project. As Friends of the Hospital, we have been fully involved with scheme from design to completion and we are proud of what has been achieved between us.”
NHS Somerset Chief Executive, Ian Tipney said: “I would like to thank Tony and the Friends of Burnham Hospital as well as staff. This is a really exciting development for the hospital which is already being transformed by the improvements being made. It has been difficult for staff and patients, who have been having to cope whilst such major building works are taking place, but I know it will be worthwhile when completed.”
The hospital’s refurbishment is designed to brighten the overall environment for patients and visitors. When complete, patients can expect more single and double rooms with en-suite facilities, improved privacy and reduced risk of hospital infections. A single nurse station now oversees all visitors arriving and leaving the wards.
Pictured are Tony Deahl (Chairman of the Friends of Burnham Hospital), Ian Tipney (Chief Executive of NHS Somerset), Chere Turberville, Matron of Burnham Hospital and Judith Brown (Chief operating Officer with Somerset Community Health)
