A HOSPITAL minor injuries unit in Evesham will get a makeover, including a new reception and special floors, to prevent the spread of superbugs.

Work began this week to give the minor injuries unit (MIU) at Evesham Community Hospital a complete refurbishment, including easy-to-clean flooring (tiles instead of carpets), new paint, new fixtures and fittings and a brand new reception area.

Hospital bosses believe the changes will help keep the hospital cleaner and help prevent the spread of superbugs like MRSA and C.difficile following deep cleans completed across the county’s hospitals earlier this year.

Deep cleans led by the Department of Health involved beds and fittings being dismantled and cleaned to reduce the spread of hospital infections. The work at Evesham is part of a project to brighten up the whole hospital, and follows refurbishment work in Izod ward and Birlingham Day Surgery Unit.

Matron Sue Lahiff said: “The hospital was beginning to look a bit tired and so we decided to brighten it up. Quite a lot of work has been done already and patients have already commented on how much nicer it looks.

“The work on the MIU will last around two to three weeks. One of the biggest bits of work will be opening up the current reception hatch. This will give a much more welcoming and friendly first impression to patients when they enter the unit.” The MIU will remain open and transfer to the outpatients unit while the work is being carried out. The MIU can deal with a wide range of injuries including cuts, grazes, wounds, sprains and strains, fractured and broken bones, minor head injuries and minor burns and scalds, and is open 24 hours a day.

Frances Smith, chairman of the League of Friends of Evesham Community Hospital welcomed the improvements.

She said: “I’m delighted to see this work is ongoing, certainly with regards to the reception area. I think that’s a must. They are taking out carpets and putting in tiles which are easier to keep clean. It’s all about infection control. It’s a very old hospital and any work to enhance it is good for the patients.”