A SERVICE to guide patients and visitors around the Alexandra Hospital looks set to be launched as part of a drive to improve customer care.

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs the hospital, is exploring the idea of providing "escorts" to take patients to the correct department.

The move comes as major multi-million developments are taking or are due to take place at the site.

A trust spokesman said: "The hospital has developed a lot over the last year and a number of new facilities have been created.

"We are looking at having some sort of guide system.

"If patients and visitors are unsure where to go, they can go to reception and somebody will be there to take them to the correct place."

A staggering £7.5 million is set to be spent on the hospital to provide a number of facilities, including a multi-faith centre and a crche.

Mr Beardwood said: "We want people in Redditch to say this is our hospital and feel a real sense of ownership.

"We want the place to be as friendly and as welcoming as possible and this is one way we can achieve it."

Mr Beardwood said security was another big issue for the trust and members wanted to ensure staff and patients were secure.

He said: "Having a police station on site has been a great success and has given patients and staff a real sense of security. We are looking at a similar set up in Worcester."