Published: June 18, 2009
Refurbishment of Burnham-On-Sea hospital set to get underway

Excitement is growing among staff and supporters of Burnham-On-Sea War Memorial Hospital as builders prepare to start work on a major upgrade to the hospital's facilities.

The work is set to start on June 22nd and should be completed within the next nine months.

Chere Turburville, Matron at the hospital, said she was very happy that building work was about to get underway, but advised that there will be some inevitable disruption when some of the more substantial building works take place.

"The refurbishment scheme is going to bring about so many benefits for patients, including better privacy, an enhanced environment on the wards and in the out-patients department and even easier cleaning through surfaces throughout the hospital, thereby further reducing the risk of infection," said Matron Turberville.

"Kitchen facilities are being improved and there will now be a proper foyer."

“Some key areas of the hospital will be out of action during the most extensive of the building works. We have planned for this and will temporarily move some services to different locations within the hospital. I would like to reassure patients, visitors and local residents that everything will be done to ensure minimum disruption as the work takes place."

"I therefore ask for people’s understanding once building work starts and apologise in advance should any inconvenience be caused."

"We intend to keep residents living closest to the hospital informed of the building developments as they occur. However, I am confident they will be as impressed and proud as the rest of the community when the refurbishments are completed and they see just how much better the hospital’s facilities have become," she added.

Tony Deahl is Chairman of the Friends of Burnham-On-Sea War Memorial Hospital, which has generously donated £300,000 towards the costs of the hospital's refurbishment.

"We are proud to be supporting this project which will transform our hospital and ensure it continues to offer the highest quality services for patients, visitors and staff and for many years to come. It cannot be overemphasised how important the community hospital is to the people of Burnham and the surrounding area and I know the upgrading of its facilities will be well worth the wait," said Mr Deahl.

NHS Somerset (formerly known as the Somerset Primary Care Trust) is contributing the additional investment required to refurbish the 22 bed hospital.