LEDBURY'S MP, Bill Wiggin, has welcomed news of Wye Valley NHS Trust’s successful bid for a new ward at Hereford County Hospital.

NHS England have approved Wye Valley NHS Trust’s £3.6 million to install a new 24-bedded ward before the New Year.

The announcement of a new ward comes after Mr Wiggin, MP for North Herefordshire, raised the issue with the Prime Minister during in Parliament, back in March.

At the time he said: "I want the Prime Minister to ensure that Hereford Hospital is now top of the list for future capital investment.”

The new ward will enable staff to assess patients quickly and reduce the reliance on using areas normally occupied by patients undergoing routine surgery when pressure mounts on services during the winter.

Commenting on the announcement, Mr Wiggin said:

“I have been looking for this extra investment in more beds since I was elected in 2001 and remember chasing Alun Milburn down Whitehall seeking extra beds. I have never given up.

"I fully support the work that Wye Valley NHS Trust are doing to ensure the excellent staff can give patients the best possible care.

"The Trust did outstandingly well to meet its control target for last year, and I will back them fully as they seek a long-term financial settlement which must be based on the right tariff relative to the rurality of Hereford Hospital.”