A SUPERBLY refurbished GP ward at Lydney Hospital was this week handed over to the Severn NHS Trust.
The £900,000 major work was supported by a donation of £280,000 from the Friends of Lydney and District Hospital.
The ward now has 21 beds including five single rooms, a new nurses' station which will allow improved observation, a large day room, a therapy room and improved bathrooms and waiting area.
Staff and patients have welcomed the improvements and the improved environment, which is more suited to nursing in the 21st century, said Sister Plum Morgan.
"The nurses find it so much better and they are really pleased with it."
After a pupils' competition to name the new bays in the ward held at Lydney C of E Primary School, it has been decided to call them after the names of trees.
The next major project at the hospital is upgrading he accident and emergency department, refurbishing ad extending it.
It is hoped this work will be completed by the end of next summer. Once again, the Friends are contributing towards the cost.
"We are looking forward to the new phase too – though perhaps not the disruption," said Sister Morgan.
The Friends are holding their annual summer fete this weekend, with proceeds going towards ongoing work programmes at the hospital.