A MAJOR refurbishment of facilities at a hospital serving patients in East Yorkshire is now complete.

The chairman of NHS Yorkshire and the Humber was among VIP guests and staff who gathered yesterday at Alfred Bean Hospital in Driffield to see for themselves the results of the £1.3million six-month facelift.

Among the improvements are a refurbishment of the Minor Injuries Unit, the building of an ultrasound department, a new entrance and reception area and an improved base for the region’s community nurses.

Work is also under way on newly bought land to create 35 extra car-parking spaces for disabled drivers at the front of the building.

Karen Knapton, chairman of NHS East Riding of Yorkshire, said: “I am delighted to mark the completion of the work alongside the Hospital’s League of Friends in recognition of their dedication to the hospital and Driffield community.

“Along with the construction of the new community hospital in Beverley, the refurbishment of Alfred Bean Hospital fits closely with our vision to develop services in the community, providing high quality care closer to patient’s homes wherever possible.”

Also at yesterday’s ceremony was Judy Douglas, chairwoman of the Alfred Bean Hospital League of Friends, who said:“We are very pleased to see the improvements throughout the hospital. The new entrance area, in particular, has a much more welcoming feel for patients and visitors. We have also appreciated the way that the League of Friends and others were involved in the plans and had some influence on the final designs.”