MALVERN'S long-awaited new hospital is set to welcome its first patient on Thursday, December 2.

The date was reported to a meeting of Worcestershire Primary Care Trust on Wednesday, July 14,.

The trust's finance director, Brian Hanford, gave a status report on the building of the new hospital in Worcester Road.

In his report, Mr Hanford says contractors are currently finishing the roof, completing patitions and plasterinf, inslalling doors and floor covering and decorating. They are also working on the hardstanding area behind the hospital.