THORNBURY Hospital is to have more than £130,000 worth of improvements made to it.

Henderson Ward at the hospital is to get £131,000 spent on improving patients’ privacy and dignity with new single sex bathroom facilities.

The changes are part of a national initiative to improve single sex NHS accommodation by the end of June this year.

The work will include new male and female only toilets, plus a male only and a new female only bathrooms.

An additional female only shower room will be installed and a new ensuite shower room and toilet will also be built for a separate side ward room. A separate toilet for visitors will also be provided.

During the work a more modern call bell system, provided at each bedside for patients to alert staff, will also be installed.

Alison Robinson, NHS South Gloucestershire's associate director for clinical development, said: "The improvements to the ward will significantly improve the quality of the environment for patients as people prefer having the privacy of single sex facilities, particularly bathroom facilities.

"In order to complete the work we will have to close the ward temporarily to enable these extensive improvements to be carried out."

Shirley Holloway, chairman of Thornbury Hospital League of Friends, said: "Providing single sex washing and toilet facilities will be a big improvement and enhance patient's privacy."

NHS South Gloucestershire secured funding for the improvements following a successful bid to the Strategic Health Authority, through the Privacy and Dignity Challenge Fund.

However, health bosses have said despite this investment further development of Thornbury Hospital is still going ahead.

Last month a Health and Social Care Needs Assessment was prepared for the site and an outline of existing services is currently underway.

Ms Robinson said: "These improvements are aimed at enhancing patients' privacy and will not subtract from the future developments which are currently being planned for Thornbury Hospital and we are exploring with local stakeholders the best way to provide future services in Thornbury to meet the health and social care needs of the local population."

For safety reasons, Henderson Ward is now temporarily closed to allow the work to take place. The ward is expected to reopen on June 30.