A WARD at Kidderminster Hospital which cares for elderly people has been praised by health watchdogs.

Kidderminster and District Community Health Council said Cookley Ward was a well-managed, pleasant place with highly-regarded staff.

The council's acute working group noted a high standard of cleanliness and patient contentment.

However, the ward has been overstaffed since the hospital was downgraded in September.

But this will be remedied by the opening of the GP bed unit.

The visiting party also pointed out storage problems for staff and the under-utilisation of space.

The report said: "Cookley ward appeared to be a well-managed, pleasant patient facility with a patient centred approach to care."