LEOMINSTER Community Hospital's minor injury unit is set for a bout of major surgery.

Builders are moving in this week to start work on a £50,000 upgrade which will see the unit expanded and refurbished.

"The work will improve our facilities but will provide some inconvenience over the next couple of months," said senior nurse Jeff Beveridge. "It's a major financial investment by the community health trust that is improving the department for both staff and patients."

"The upgrade will bring in more up-to-date medical equipment and lead to an improved level of service. It's part of a rolling programme of works which will be taking place at the hospital during this year.

"And thanks to the continued support of the hospital's league of friends, more new equipment is being purchased to add to the investment by the health authority and the community health trust."

But, in spite of the disruption, the hospital will continue to provide a 24-hour minor injury service, although the facilities will be temporarily reduced from two rooms to one.

"Patients can continue to come here during the works and do not have to go over to Hereford," said Mr Beveridge.

The improvement work is expected to last six to eight weeks.