Members of the Tenby Local Implementation Group met last Friday to discuss progress on the new Tenby Cottage Hospital. Prior to the meeting, a minute's silence was observed in memory of the late Dr. William Clifford, a longstanding member of the group. Following this, Mansel Thomas, chair, expressed how pleased he was to see rapid progress being made to the building works at the Butts Field site. He reported that the contractor had completed the foundations, the steel frame and the first floor concrete slabs. The brickwork and external walls would soon be complete and the roof structure was in place. Window installation would be complete within the next week. The landscaping scheme had been agreed by the Trust and had been forwarded to the National Park Planning Authority. The project remained on programme for completion in early December 2005. With regard to the NHS beds in the independent sector, concerns were expressed that a contract had not yet been signed with Park House Court who were the current preferred bidders. A Trust spokesperson confirmed, however, that papers were being drawn up and that a contract would be signed in the near future. A number of sub group meetings had taken place over recent months and a new sub group would be set up in September to address the issue of management of car parking at the new hospital during holiday times. The Artwork Sub Group met on July 7 to discuss the incorporation of art within the new facility. Roy Haggar, a member of the Tenby Cottage Hospital League of Friends, brought an outstanding display of classic old photographs to the meeting, depicting scenes of bygone ages in Tenby and local characters. It has been agreed that two themes will be created for display on the walls of the new hospital, one of Tenby, as a seaside holiday town and one of the local fishing community Two plaques have been identified for transfer from the existing hospital, one of Dr. Lock, founder of Tenby Cottage Hospital, and the other Dr. Dyster for services rendered to the hospital. Both plaques have great significance. In addition, a winning logo from the Tenby Family of Schools' logo competition will be incorporated in the floor area of the main entrance. It is intended to incorporate a child friendly character into the floor in the children's play area. There are also plans to incorporate winning logos as decorative iron panels into the railings at the entrance of the building. The aim is to make the new building as visually pleasing and welcoming as possible. Mansel Thomas praised the continuous efforts of all concerned with regard to the proposed artwork and stated that it would certainly make a significant difference to the ambience of the new hospital. The committee is looking to local businesses for their financial support for the commissioning of this work. Any interest can be made through Mansel Thomas on (01834) 843987.
