HEALTH secretary Dr John Reid opened Portland's newly refurbished community hospital.

He made a visit to the island to meet staff and patients at the hospital yesterday.

On a tour of the hospital he admired the new 16-bed ward, X-ray facilities, conservatory, occupational and physiotherapy units and minor treatment unit.

Dr Reid said: "The redevelopment cost a lot of money, but it was money well spent. This new hospital means as much to the local community as anything.

"No matter how much we are aware in London of the money that is going out, until we get out on the frontline we can't really see what a difference it makes.

"Providing quality healthcare services in a suitable environment that is easy for people to access is the way forward for local health services," Dr Reid added.

He paid tribute to all the volunteers and staff who had worked hard to improve the hospital, including the league of friends which paid for the new conservatory.

Dr Reid promised to announce further increases to annual funding for the NHS in Parliament today.

Accompanying him on the visit was South Dorset MP Jim Knight.

He said: "I have been nagging John for a long time to visit and see the NHS at its best here in Dorset. Portland's hospital is one we should all be proud of."

Significant improvement work was needed on the old hospital buildings and the rebuilding started in 2003 costing South West Dorset Primary Care Trust £2 million, partly funded through the sale of land at Portland Hospital and Westhaven Hospital. The new building was completed on time.

Staff and patients were excited that Dr Reed had made the trip to see the new facilities at the hospital.

Senior occupational therapist Ros Manning, said: "The visit makes the process seem complete. We have been going to the redevelopment meetings for years and couldn't quite believe it was actually going to happen. Our new department is light and airy, that's the main thing, and there is lots of space.

"I think the patients are encouraged more by the environment now - it inspires them to try hard."

Horace Bower, 78, who was receiving physiotherapy after a leg amputation, told Dr Reid: "I have lived on Portland all my life. I have seen the Portland Hospital orthopaedic department in the old days, but this is marvellous."

The hospital originally dates back to the late 19th Century.