PLANS have been announced to develop Ellen Badger Hospital, bringing more services to the local community of Shipston on Stour.

South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust has approved plans to develop an enhanced inpatient facility at the Hospital.

This £500,000 investment will see work completed by April 2018.

This refurbishment is the first phase of a longer term development plan for Ellen Badger Hospital.

The trust is working closely with the League of Friends of Ellen Badger Hospital to develop plans to expand the site and following the purchase of a plot of land next to the hospital, more services will be delivered locally.

To identify what services the local population would benefit from, the trust will be inviting partners and members of the community to share their views and give feedback at dedicated events.

The League of Friends are extremely supportive of these plans and have gifted £635,000 to the Trust, which will support this project.

Jayne Blacklay, director of development said: “This is a very exciting time for Ellen Badger Hospital. It is a key part of future healthcare delivery and it is fantastic that we are able to develop the site to improve services for the community of Shipston and surrounding areas.

"We will be working very closely with the League of Friends of Ellen Badger Hospital and local GPs on these plans; their input continues to be instrumental so I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their continued support.”

Frances French, chairman of the League of Friends, said: “The League are absolutely delighted that SWFT have acquired this land and we are grateful both to John Peart and Percy Lomas whose legacies have made our contribution to this exciting opportunity possible.

"We know this development is in line with the NHS goal of treating people as close to their communities as possible. It will enhance health and wellbeing for all those in Shipston and the surrounding 22 villages.”

Dr Gilder, senior partner at Shipston Medical Centre, said: “We are delighted to hear about the development at the Ellen Badger Hospital, which is a great thing for our community.

"Shipston Medical Centre will be working with South Warwickshire Foundation Trust to help identify services which will benefit our population. We will also continue to seek opportunities for the development of a new Medical Centre."