MORE patients will benefit from the care provided at Bealey Community Hospital. The Radcliffe hospital is to receive an extra four beds thanks to a £500,000 investment from Bury Primary Care Trust.

The beds are to be housed in a new intermediate care service unit, and will mean the hospital can provide nursing care, rehabilitation and treatment for up to 40 more patients a year.

Since 1980, the hospital has provided care for elderly patients who have been admitted by their GP for nursing care and therapy. This helps keep other hospital beds free and also ensures care takes place closer to home.

Subject to planning permission the new facility should be open later this year.

Mr Evan Boucher, chief executive for Bury Primary Care Trust, said: "The go ahead for additional beds and intermediate care service at Bealey Community Hospital is an exciting new development for Bury. The new facility will give greater choice for patients."