THE FIRST turf was cut at the Barking Hospital redevelopment, which aims to provide an alternative to travelling out of the borough for healthcare. Last Friday (March 20) Barking MP Margaret Hodge broke ground on the �11.2m makeover that will be complete

THE FIRST turf was cut at the Barking Hospital redevelopment, which aims to provide an alternative to travelling out of the borough for healthcare.

Last Friday (March 20) Barking MP Margaret Hodge broke ground on the �11.2m makeover that will be completed within 14 months.

When the new, larger hospital opens it may mean patients will not have to travel to Queen's hospital, Romford or King George hospital, Goodmayes.

Services will include a GP clinic, urgent treatment centre, midwifery, an HIV clinic, out patient care, mental health services and a pharmacy - which will eventually be open 24 hours.