COUNCILLOR Stephen Hirst has retired as chairman of the Board of Trustees at Tetbury Hospital.

Cllr Hirst has been a trustee at the hospital since 2009 and chairman since being elected in 2012.

He is said to have worked tirelessly over those years, helping improve hospital facilities ensuring patients can rely on first class medical services closer to home.

Cllr Hirst said: "During my time at Tetbury Hospital we have improved the hospital facilities for the benefit of the many local patients that require a local service with facilities and expertise that can be found in a large general hospital.

"Plans for the future will ensure that patients will continue to benefit from facilities that will be continually expanded and improved.’

Zena Dalton, chief executive officer, added: "It has been a pleasure to work so closely with Stephen whilst I have been CEO at Tetbury Hospital. "As Chairman of the board Stephen has made sure the services we provide benefit the health and wellbeing of the communities we serve. "His contribution to the sustainability and success of Tetbury Hospital is clear to see as we celebrate our 25 year anniversary this year. "Fortunately, Stephen is not giving up his voluntary work for the hospital completely, he will be joining the Friends of Tetbury Hospital, which means I will still get to work with him.

"I am looking forward to working more closely with our new chairperson Mr Jeremy Lodwick, who previously held the position of deputy chairperson."