A NEW canteen has been unveiled in the entrance hall at Wycombe Hospital - following the closure of a 45-year-old charity café.

The canteen is situated on the site of the old WRVS café, which closed last year after the charity said it was running at a loss.

The new facility also replaces the old hospital canteen, which was in the basement.

Wycombe Hospital said the move has involved a major refurbishment of the area behind the reception, meaning the canteen will be bigger and include a better range of food and drinks.

Bosses added in a statement: “By undertaking this move the access restrictions to the old restaurant have now been addressed, ensuring patients and visitors with mobility restrictions can now fully access these new facilities…

“In addition, the existing seating area has been extended and refurbished, and following extensive work, there is the option of being able to sit outside in the courtyard area in the summer.”

The canteen is operated by Medirest, a private firm contracted by Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust.

Last summer the hospital said its plans for the canteen “had no bearing” on the closure of the WRVS café, which had boasted a team of 90 volunteers (see link below).