DIABETES patients in Wyre Forest are set to benefit from the re-opening of Kidderminster Hospital's diabetes centre in a new, dedicated area.

The new centre - which is located in the former Cookley Ward - has brought together all the diabetes services on offer at Kidderminster Hospital into one integrated department - including new facilities to help improve the care of patients.

The move has enabled the adult and paediatric diabetes specialist nurses, consultant diabetologist, paediatric clinical psychologist and dietetic department - which were previously all split around the Kidderminster Hospital site - to be housed in the same place.

A new education room has also been added to the centre including state-of-the-art training facilities to help centre staff develop their skills.

The centre - named the Fred Holland Centre for Diabetes in honour of the local diabetes champion and campaigner - has been developed especially to be airy, welcoming and modern, and is already receiving positive feedback from both patients and staff.

Jadwiga Borns, diabetes specialist nurse and centre team leader, said: "This is a very positive move for both patients and staff.

"The centre now allows for a more unified and high standard approach to our service delivery and improves the experience we can provide for both patients and staff."

Fred Holland added: "I am really pleased that all the diabetes services are together in one dedicated centre at Kidderminster Hospital.

"I am delighted by the outcome of the move."