Another £800,000 is being ploughed into Runwell Hospital despite the fact it is only three years away from closure.

This latest cash boost comes only months after £1.7million worth of work was carried out by the NHS Trust which used to run the hospital, which provides a home to around 250 patients with serious mental Health problems.

The money is being spent to ensure patients and staff do not have to endure seriously deteriorating conditions as the hospital's closure approaches.

The new improvement programme is being undertaken by the South Essex Mental Health and Community Care NHS Trust which was set up on April 1 and inherited responsibility for the long neglected hospital.

Trust chief executive, Patrick Geoghegan, said: "Older buildings tend to be last in the queue for NHS cash and Runwell Hospital has suffered with the uncertainty of closure hanging over its head for several years.

"I think we should remember people still need to stay at Runwell Hospital until it closes and people still need to work there. They are entitled to a pleasant and safe environment."

Substantial work on chronically-leaking roofs, hazardous roads and paths and vital maintenance to buildings is all being carried out, plus essential repairs to staff accommodation and the plumbing systems.

More than 500 nurses and doctors work at the site providing 24 hour care and the Trust has also had to undertake the renovation of their offices and facilities.

Insufficient funding in the past and lack of work to protect the fabric of the hospital means the Trust has had to respond to very serious health and safety concerns.

In 1995 conditions at the hospital were condemned as 'appalling' by patients' watchdog the Basildon and Thurrock Community Health Council.Southend Community Care Services NHS Trust carried out extensive repair work last autumn, but now even more work has had to be undertaken.

The work which has now been completed includes radio links to isolated wards for fire safety and the installation of security lighting.

Wards have also been decorated, new furniture installed in lounges and bedrooms, while better leisure facilities are also now in place.

Other work has involved the hospital's reception and administration section, plus improvements to the areas for hospital visitors.

Mr Geoghegan said: "Our patients and staff appreciate the improvements at the hospital and are starting to feel that someone does care about them."

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