THE THREAT to Milford Hospital’s X-ray unit has not only been been lifted, but the service could be extended.

Milford League of Friends was delighted to hear at its annual general meeting that the Royal Surrey Hospital has completed its review and decided the unit will remain open.

Increasing the unit’s opening hours is now under review and the possibility of providing more diagnostic imaging services.

When the closure threat was first revealed in January, the league campaigned hard to save the service, backed by a petition signed by more than 3,500 objectors.

Royal Surrey operations associate director Jane Fagan announced the good news to the meeting. She also flagged up the expansion of community health services with new teams located at Milford.

Beds there are set to rise from 20 to 30, providing sufficient staff can be recruited.

Intravenous antibiotics will be administered so patients can be discharged earlier from the Royal Surrey.