HEALTH chiefs were delighted today after government gave them £1.75 million for the refurbishment taking place at Felixstowe General Hospital.The exciting project - which started three weeks ago - will transform the hospital into a modern health care centre for the growing resort and nearby villages.

By Richard Cornwell

HEALTH chiefs were delighted today after government gave them £1.75 million for the refurbishment taking place at Felixstowe General Hospital.

The exciting project - which started three weeks ago - will transform the hospital into a modern health care centre for the growing resort and nearby villages.

Campaigners have been thrilled to see the work, being carried out by builder R G Carter, taking place.

But while the Suffolk Primary Care Trust was told it would get the money for the scheme, it has been waiting to hear what the Department of Health would contribute.

Health Minister Andy Burnham today unveiled nearly £50m of new grants for NHS community hospitals and super-surgeries.

These include six new health centres, two new community hospitals, and eight refurbished community hospitals - including Felixstowe's - in towns and cities across the country as part of a major drive to provide NHS patients with more minor operations, medical tests and follow-up care outside of large hospitals.

The clinics in Felixstowe will be moved back from the Bartlet to the General early next year, and a local healthcare team, made up of district nurses, occupational therapists and physiotherapists, will work alongside the new day and treatment services.

The minor injuries unit will be open until 10pm and it will form the base for the out of hours' services.

X-ray facilities will also be upgraded to provide digital processing and faster diagnostic response.

There will be a total of 16 inpatient beds - five single rooms, one twin, one room with four beds and one with five beds - in the refurbished building.

Additional new facilities include a minor operations suite and a specially designed children's centre, the décor and furnishing of which will be paid for through the funds donated by the community through the Evening Star's Helping the Children appeal.

There will also be a new reception, dining area and a single storey dayroom added as well as a lift, which will mean the second floor can be properly used.

Facilities for patients with disabilities, improved toilets and showers and bathrooms are also included.

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