The last meeting of the Tenby Cottage Hospital Local Implementation Group was recently held at St. Johns Church. The project is virtually complete and the role given to the group by the Minister of Health at an end. Mrs. Jenny Bowen, director of nursing at the Local Health Board, provided an update on developments at the Tenby Cottage Ward. Building work is on schedule and there is a planned opening in mid- July. A great deal of preparatory work has already been completed by NHS and Park House Court staff to ensure that NHS policies are embedded in those of nursing home. There is rigorous monitoring to ensure that NHS rules and regulations apply. The 10-bedded ward situated on the ground floor will have dedicated staff who are already receiving additional training on NHS procedures. The future role of the community in local health matters was discussed and the Health Trust plans to arrange a workshop on the matter in the near future. There were updates on hospital issues which included: increased use of the radiology department. There are now three times the number of sessions being held, with a consequent increase to 2,640 patients being x-rayed last year, compared to 856 the previous year at the old hospital. This is partly accounted for by the temporary closure of South Pembs, but indicates effective use of the new machine purchased by the League of Friends. An outpatient physiotherapy service commenced in April, at present for two days per week and there has been a marked increase in the work of the Minor Injury Unit. The Trust has plans to expand all service provision, including consultant clinics at the hospital in line with its strategy of bringing services closer to the people. Concern was expressed at possible changes to the GP 'Out of Hours' service. It was stressed that any changes, when agreed, should be fully reported to the public. On behalf of the LIG, Mrs. Pat Wright presented bouquets to two people who had made exceptional contributions to their work. Mrs. Jenny Bowen had been the project director for most of the scheme and her drive and vision had been key to the success of the project. Christine Gwyther, as their AM, had provided strong support in gaining approval for the plans and also whenever the scheme was under threat. The chair, Mr. Mansel Thomas, than thanked LIG members and Trust and LHB staff for their dedicated work and support over the last four years. The completion of the new hospital is the culmination of over 12 years of effort by the community. When there were plans to close the old hospital, the whole community, led by CATCH and in particular Mrs. Pat Wright and the League of Friends, fought to retain it. Most of these people are now members of LIG which has been charged with the responsibility of ensuring that the minister's orders are implemented. The hospital has a reputation for quality care reflecting the vision of its founders and the work of generations of medical and ancillary staff and it is this reputation that decided LIG to retain the name of Tenby Cottage Hospital ensuring that the fine traditions of the old hospital would be remembered and continued into the C21. So prominently displayed at the entrance is a photograph of Dr. John Lock, one of its founders. What the community has won is the re-provision of all the services at the old hospital and the extension and enhancement of others. Even when it was discovered that hospitals with fewer than 30 beds were no longer economically viable, alternative provision as part of a nursing home with many beds was achieved, the first of its type in the country. When small hospitals are being threatened, what this community has achieved is now the envy of almost every small town. LIG's role has been to ensure the plans and promises have been delivered. The hospital is now virtually complete. The main premises are spacious and pleasant, fitting for the quality of care being provided by the staff. Further local provision of services will follow. The Tenby Cottage Ward is nearing completion and will similarly provide top class facilities. The hospital is an important part of our area, whilst it has a responsibility to the community, the community has a responsibility to it. The hard working hospital staff deserve our support.