There was some great news for Tenby this week. Construction work has finally started on the development of the town's new hospital. At a meeting of the Tenby Local Implementation Group last Friday, chairman Mansel Thomas was delighted to announce that Cowlin Construction Ltd. had successfully been awarded the contract for the multi-million pound scheme at the Butts Field site. And they have wasted no time in setting things in motion. Work commenced on Monday and a completion date of November 2005 has been given. It is anticipated that the building will be fully commissioned and operational in January the following year. This news has been very well received, although the location of beds in the independent sector is still awaited, the Pembrokeshire and Derwen NHS Trust said this week. Meanwhile, following the successful outcome of the local 'design a logo competition', the two winning logo designs have been taken to a graphic designer. Work will be undertaken to merge the two designs into a single logo for the new hospital. A range of artwork is also planned to be incorporated within the new hospital. A group has been established to look at the range of art available, and the most appropriate forms to depict the history of the locality and its people. This will provide an ideal opportunity for local artist(s) and/or skilled crafts people to come forward with suitable ideas. The next artwork meeting has been scheduled to take place on March 30. Various sub group meetings have taken place, and the detailed design work for the building is almost complete. It is intended to make the children's play and treatment area as child friendly as possible. This will include a range of toys, themed artwork and floor patterns in order to make their visit less stressful. A meeting has also taken place recently with the local authority regarding appropriate road signage and maps. This issue will be given much consideration prior to making any formal decision. All existing equipment at Tenby Cottage Hospital is being examined, and a list is being compiled of suitable equipment to be transferred. Colour schemes for rooms and fabric will be decided upon in the near future. A soft landscaping and planting scheme has been drawn up by the architects, and this will be submitted to the National Park Authority, once finalised, for approval. The next meeting of the Local Implementation Group will take place on May 13 at 2.30 pm in St. Johns Church, Tenby. Members of the public are encouraged to attend.