Malvern Civic Society Members visited Malvern Community Hospital on Monday 20 January in the first of many such adventures planned for 2025 in the MCS “Diary of Events”.
Susan Harris, the Director of Strategy and Partnerships for the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, gave a comprehensive and detailed briefing on the work of the Trust and its place in the NHS. She also gave freely of her time in answering questions, and exploring issues raised by members in discussion. The range of services provided is extensive and the complexity of managing it all is challenging. Some 5000 people employed by the Trust make it all work, and deliver care for the people who live here.
The group was then taken on a tour of the hospital campus, viewing the respite care facilities for children and adults with a learning disability. hydrotherapy, minor injuries, radiology, out-patient clinics and an investigative procedures clinic used by consultants from the Worcestershire Royal Hospital. There are also 26 hospital beds. The Minor Injuries Unit was as busy as usual with upwards of 60 patients being seen on the day of the visit. Everywhere the utmost professionalism, enthusiasm and empathy was plain to see.
Good old Aneurin Bevan, founder of the NHS, would have had a contented smile on his face as he listened to the the Community Hospital staff so excited about their work and the organisation they clearly love; and Malvern residents can feel truly blessed that they have this facility on their doorstep.