NEW wards and more beds are needed at Hereford County Hospital, according to Ledbury's MP, Bill Wiggin.

And he has written to the Secretary of State for Health, Jeremy Hunt MP, to make his case.

Mr Wiggin, who visited Hereford County Hospital on Monday September 21, to meet with Richard Beeken, the new Chief Executive of Wye Valley NHS Trust, said: “I have always been really impressed during my visits to Hereford Hospital by the dedication and care of our doctors and nurses, and I was pleased to welcome the new Chief Executive.

But Mr Wiggin added: "During my visit I was given a tour of one of the hutted wards, Leadon, still in use at the County Hospital. These wards were built by the Canadians more than 50 years ago.

"I would be the first to praise the skill, dedication and leadership of the staff, the cleanliness and the professionalism are faultless, but top quality people deserve the best facilities.So without criticising the staff, I think it is time we had new wards and more beds and expanded the capacity of the Hospital."

Mr Wiggin added: "I have written to the Secretary of State for Health making this case.

"I would like to see our Hospital continue to grow and build on fantastic new developments like the Renton Unit."