WAR in Iraq could prevent one of Ledbury Community Hospital's new staff from taking up her post.

Samantha Fox was supposed to start work as clinical manager for the hospital's intermediate care and acquired brain injury units last week.

But instead she has rushed off for three-weeks training in preparation for a possible call-out to the Gulf after being called up by the Royal Auxiliary Air Force.

A trained flight nurse, she has been an RAF reservist for a number of years. She also has nursing experience in Indonesia and Australia.

Stephen Crisp, regional manager for hospital operators Shaw Homes, said the company would give her its full support.

Shaw, which has been the subject of complaints about its staffing of the hospital, has also brought on board two other new managers.

Jan Elliot, a previous senior staff nurse and team leader at the facility, has been appointed as intermediate care manager.

Angela Staphnill, who has senior NHS and private sector management experience, is the new manager of the site's residential home.

An open day is also to be held at the Bye Street hospital in early April to mark its first anniversary.

"We believe that every member of the local community should have the opportunity to see for themselves how far we have come," said general manager Diane Rudge.

Guided tours of the centre, an exhibition of its achievements, advice on careers in the medical profession and menu tastings will be organised. Staff will be on hand to answer questions, and there will be a chance for the public to say how they would like to see the centre develop.