CATSHILL Clinic is due to re-open this week after being closed for six months for refurbishment.

A total of £350,000 has been spent on upgrading the clinic, situated in The Dock, to comply with health and safety legislation and disability discrimination act requirements. Staff and patient areas have been improved as part of the work.

Graham Vickery, chairman of the Primary Care Trust said: "I am delighted that Catshill Clinic is re-opening this week. A lot of work has taken place and I should like to thank everyone who has been involved. I do realise that it has caused disruption to patient and staff but hopefully everyone will realise that it has been worthwhile."

Agnes Aitken, a school nurse based at Catshill will open the clinic on Thursday at 2pm.

Agnes is retiring after 42 years in the NHS at the end of August.

She has worked in Bromsgrove as a School Nurse based at Catshill Clinic since 1987. Prior to this, she trained and worked in Lothian, Scotland.

Graham added: "It is fitting that Agnes should undertake the formal opening of the refurbished clinic. She has been an asset to the local NHS and when she retires she will be missed by colleagues not only in the health service but also in education."

The refurbishment of the clinic is part of an ongoing programme to upgrade the Primary Care Trust premises.

The car park has recently been extended at the Princess of Wales Community Hospital in Bromsgrove to provide 66 extra parking places.