FUNDING from the League of Friends of Shipston Hospitals has enabled Shipston Medical Centre to expand their older people’s service.

The service, which provides holistic assessment for older people pulls in services from other organisations to support people to stay healthy and live independently at home for longer, was started in 2015 by Nurse Heidi Williams who works for 2 days each week.

The financial support from the League of Friends has enabled Nurse Jan Flynn to be recruited, providing an additional 4.5 days of cover each week, expanding the number of people who will benefit from the service.

Frances French, chairman of the League of Friends of Shipston on Stour Hospitals, said: “We are pleased to be able to support the provision of services for older people in our community.

"We feel it is important to provide support to enable older people to stay independent and prevent unnecessary ill-health.”

Senior partner, Dr Jane Gilder, said: “Jan is an experienced nurse who is a great addition to our team.

"The additional capacity will enable us to move beyond the traditional remit of medicine and facilitate delivery of medical and non-medical advice and support as required, but particularly after an acute episode of care or where intervention may prevent a crises or unnecessary hospitalisation”

Shipston Medical Centre cares for around 11,000 patients in the town and surrounding villages.

The GPs also provide medical cover for the patients at Shipston’s Ellen Badger hospital and minor injuries unit.