WE have been very much been encouraged by the statements by the Government, by the South Worcestershire Commissioning Care Group and by our local MP, Harriett Baldwin, confirming the vital role of community hospitals such as the Pershore Hospital in delivering clinical services close to the patient’s home.

In Pershore we have helped to ensure that there is an extremely well equipped 26-bed hospital.

We have indicated to the Worcestershire Health and Care Trust that we stand ready to help with development of the clinical services provided there, especially in the context of providing new, specialised equipment for the treatment of day-case patients.

If this can be introduced it will mean that some local people will not have to travel to Evesham, Worcester, Kidderminster or Redditch, but be treated right here in Pershore.

This will also alleviate pressure on the acute Hospitals in the area.

We are also pleased to hear that the two local GP practices have agreed for members of their GP staff to carry out ward rounds and join case meetings at the hospital.

This expertise complements the full-time nursing staff and improves patient care.

More good news is that there is now hope of developments to the old hospital site on Defford Road, which has become a real eyesore.

To carry out our work we are always in need of support from the community that we get from people joining the friends and for donations that allow us to make prudent investments to improve local health care.

Patricia Freeman, chairman

Michael Amies, vice chairman

Pershore Hospital