THE WOMEN'S ward at Axminster hospital is set for a major facelift as part of �2 million worth of improvements.

THE WOMEN'S ward at Axminster hospital is set for a major facelift as part of �2 million worth of improvements.The existing Victorian-style Nightingale ward will be demolished and replaced by a spacious ward - with a mixture of two-bedded and single rooms.The �500,000 refurbishment will take place at the same time as other construction work at the hospital to minimise disruption to patients.Work is expected to be completed in early autumn and inpatients will stay at nearby Seaton and Sidmouth hospitals.Matron Eileen Simmonds said; "The new women's ward will have a modern feel and infection control experts have been involved in the design process."Maintaining privacy and dignity for patients is an important part of our care and the new extension will mean patients will no longer need to go outdoors to get from the wards to the X-Ray facilities, and they will not have to walk past the theatres."We are really grateful to our League of Friends for their donation. They do so much hard work and are a great asset to our hospital and the wider community."Dr Phil Taylor, chair of the Axminster Hospital League of Friends and a GP at Axminster Medical Practice, said: "It's great to see this exciting development at the hospital. The benefits to patients and staff are there for everyone to see."We are very lucky to have such a generous community who are always keen to raise funds for the hospital through our League of Friends."n See the Herald's website for a video about the project.