THE results of a £470,000-plus investment in Williton Community Hospital have been officially unveiled.

The major revamp has seen the creation of the new Meadow ward, born out of the ashes of Brendon Ward which closed almost two years ago, cutting the number of beds from 45 to 20.

The refurbishment means all the beds are now located in the new ward, with Dunkery ward converted to provide additional facilities and offices, including a new base for the community health services team in the Williton area.

Meadow ward was declared open in a ceremony last Thursday, in which tributes were paid to those behind the investment.

NHS Somerset, which under changes which came into force in April is now the Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group, was awarded more than £350,000 to carry out the overall project.

But Williton League of Friends raised more than £120,000 to fund the redesign and refurbishment.

Edward Colgan, chief executive of the Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, which owns and operates the hospital, said at the opening: "Meadow ward, with its new furniture and fittings, will be a superb facility for the local population and a comfortable and relaxing environment for our patients.

"The new ward has been designed to improve the layout and internal environment for stroke and dementia patients."

Mr Colgan said the work included the installation of en-suite shower and toilet facilities for inpatients, a new open day room and dining area and overnight accommodation for relatives with a refurbished Grace's Room.

"On behalf of staff and patients of Williton Hospital, past, present and future, I would like to thank the members of Williton League of Friends for their tireless support and NHS Somerset for investing in the improvements for patients and their relatives."

Mr Colgan had particular praise for the league's chairman Betty Small, previous lifelong president Frank Morgan and treasurer Kevin Bye.

Also singled out was vice-chairman Shirley Dee, the lead volunteer organiser who has been helping the hospital for more than 27 years.

Mrs Dee has recruited and managed more than 40 volunteers who seven days a week help with a range of patient activities, including a weekly reminiscence group, arts and crafts, music sessions, hand massage, bed making and flower arranging.

And while continuing to recruit new volunteers, she also finds time to run a keep-fit group.

Mrs Dee was given the honour of officially opening the ward.

Mr Colgan also said he wanted to pay tribute to the hospital's very generous benefactors.

"The generosity of these benefactors and their financial commitment has supported the hospital with many projects, including the refurbishment of Grace's Room, our lovely new palliative care room."

The league was at the forefront of a campaign to keep facilities at the hospital when the reduction in beds sparked fears that it could be earmarked for closure.

But at the opening chairman Betty Small welcomed the major investment.

"Meadow ward is the jewel in the crown of Williton Community Hospital," she said.