A BRAND new ward has opened at the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch.

The 19-bed ward is a part of a number of improvements to the trust's capacity which it hopes will help manage the continuing high numbers of patients attending the Alex, and other hospitals such as the Worcestershire Royal.

On the opening of the new ward, Kirsty Stanton, matron for elderly care said: I’m very proud of all the team who came together to open this new ward. It brings much needed extra capacity and will help with patient flow and patient experience.”

Rachel Maclean, MP for Redditch, welcomed the improvement in capacity as a step in the right direction.

She said: “I’ve long said the Alex has a bright future and is central to delivering healthcare in Worcestershire – the opening of this new ward is proof of that.

“Both the Worcestershire Royal and the Alex work closely together, are part of the same trust, and both are used by people who live in Redditch. Investment is needed across both sites to ensure better care for all patients in our town."

She added: "I also want to see investment into our town’s hospital continue, which is why I’m once again urging the trust to get on and submit their full business case for the £8 million the Alex has been promised.”