Trustees at Holbeach Hospital are pressing ahead with plans for an eight-bed expansion of the site.
An application for planning permission has been submitted to South Holland District Council and, if approved, there is a hope the extension could be in use by the beginning of next year.
The extension is expected to cost £600,000 to £700,000 and may create ten to 15 jobs in nursing and ancillary roles.
Trustee Karl Ellerbroek said: “We always have a long waiting list and this will go some way to easing the situation.
“It will also help the health service generally. A shortage of beds is fundamental to many of the difficulties being faced at present.
“Holbeach is due for a big expansion and, if all these housing projects come to fruition, it is only going to add to the pressure on the health service.”
The hospital was NHS-run and due for closure 27 years ago when trustees stepped in to take it over as a charity. It has since become more focused on residential, nursing and end-of-life care but some clinics still run out of it. All functions bring services closer to residents.
The hospital currently has 39 beds and, whilst running costs are contributed to from health service contacts, it relies upon fundraising and donations to survive. The new rooms will all be ensuite.
A substantial element of the extension costs have been amounted over the past 18 months.
Funds have come in significant part from legacy donations as well as vital contributions from, among others, the hospital’s League of Friends, Holbeach Hospital shop and Dunnes Diner, which operated last year at Holbeach WI Hall.
Maxine Winch, hospital manager, said: “It’s amazing what people will give and they often say it shows their appreciation of what we have done for their loved ones. We see what we do as part of our job but it’s nice to be told we are doing it well.”
Work is now under way to secure the remainder of the funds needed via fundraising, grant bids and sponsorship pleas.
