WHILE financial problems are making life awkward for Hinchingbrooke Hospital, just a few metres away work started on the latest medical unit for Huntingdonshire. On Friday, the first brick of a new two-storey children s unit, which is being built on the h

WHILE financial problems are making life awkward for Hinchingbrooke Hospital, just a few metres away work started on the latest medical unit for Huntingdonshire.

On Friday, the first brick of a new two-storey children's unit, which is being built on the hospital site, was laid.

Anne Marie Hamilton, non executive director of Huntingdonshire Primary Care Trust (PCT) welcomed guests to the brick laying ceremony and invited Lady Alison De Ramsey, chairman of Huntingdonshire PCT, to lay the first brick.

Lady De Ramsey said: "I am honoured to lay the first brick for the new unit. The fundraising committee is very busy through the Dreamdrops appeal raising money to support those extras that make being in hospital and away from home more tolerable."

The unit, which is due to open in the spring next year, will provide a new home for Holly Ward and children's services.

The £7.5million needed to pay for the 25-bed unit is separate from the budget used to run Hinchingbrooke Hospital. The money will be provided by the East of England Strategic Health Authoority.

The money raised through the Dreamdrops appeal will buy play equipment and facilities for the new centre.

Special thanks were paid to Michael Lynch, former chairman of the PCT, Hinchingbrooke Health Care NHS and construction company Laing O'Rourke for its involvement in the project.

INFORMATION: To make a donation to the Dreamdrops appeal contact the fundraising team at Huntingdonshire Primary Care Trust, The Priory, Priory Road, St Ives, Cambridgeshire, PE27 5BB, phone 01480 308220 or visit www.hunts-pct.nhs.uk