MINEHEAD'S new community hospital has been likened to a Tardis - and healthcare services in the area are definitely set to travel through time when it opens for business in just over a month.

The £26 million facility off Seaward Way will transport staff and patients from a 19th century former town hall with a host of hotch potch buildings on a cramped town centre site to a state of the art hi-tech medical hub.

The Free Press was given a glimpse inside the art-deco style development by project manager Simon Corrick, who has overseen the construction that came in just under budget and finished ahead of schedule.

And the modern, slick but welcoming interior is a far cry from the inside of the existing hospital, built in 1889 and initially converted from a town hall to the Luttrell Memorial Hospital before latterly becoming a community hospital.

"The site at Seaward Way is definitely the best I have worked on," said project manager Simon Corrick, who has also been responsible for the development of new hospitals in Glastonbury and South Petherton.

"It's in a superb location, is not constrained and has some lovely views.

"It doesn't look that big from the front but it's a bit like a Tardis - there's so much space inside.

"The reaction from staff who have seen it has been very positive and hopefully the local community will feel the same - there's a real sense of ownership about this development."

The building was designed by Bath-based DK Architects who were given a brief to deliver something that was sympathetic to the coastal environment.

Natural light floods as many areas as possible, helped by two inner courtyards featuring artwork designed by Woolfgang Buttress depicting the sun and moon.

For staff - who have been involved from the outset in the design and needs of their new departments - the facilities are a total transformation from current working conditions.

They have been given sneak preview tours of the building over the last few weeks and their soon-to-be new base has not failed to impress.

Their departments boast space, light, and facilities that they could only have dreamed of, while the building offers security and privacy for both staff and patients.

The 19 beds - three more than in the existing hospital - are found in 11 single rooms, all with en suite facilities, and two four-bay wards.

Meanwhile, patients visiting the minor injuries unit will almost find themselves spoilt for choice, with six treatment rooms, including dedicated plaster and resuscitation rooms, as well as a large nurses' station.

Improved x-ray facilities will allow better quality images to be examined almost instantly by medical staff at Taunton's Musgrove Park Hospital, while the outpatients' department boasts six consulting rooms and a specialist soundproofed audiology facility.

Staff will have their own entrance to the new building, a dedicated changing area, kitchen and rest room, complete with television, as well as 20 dedicated parking spaces.

The new hospital will also be the base for West Somerset's mental health unit, which will be relocating its day care services from Barnfield in the town and will have its own activity, sitting and dining rooms, along with private counselling facilities.

Patients in the rehabilitation department will have the use of a new and much bigger gym, as well as other facilities, while those scheduled for day surgery will have their operations carried out in a larger theatre, with improved after care accommodation for a total of eight patients at a time.

Other facilities include a 'quiet' room offering relatives and visitors a place for reflection, peace and privacy, day rooms for patients and a number of balcony areas where the surrounding views can be admired.

The new hospital will be on a public service bus route but there will also be free parking for around 100 vehicles.

And almost £400,000 of additional funding from the hospital's League of Friends has helped provide some top of the range equipment and facilities in many areas.

Health chiefs are planning an open day on January 29 to give local people the chance to see what is on offer, with the hospital expected to be open for business by the middle of February.