Subway gets new branch at hospital

High street sandwich chain Subway is set to take over a shop within Cannock Chase Hospital. Final talks are under way and it is set to open as early as next month.

It will take over an empty shop on the second level of the Beecroft Road hospital which has been vacant since the hospital's League of Friends pulled out last year because members felt "unappreciated".

Mid Staffordshire General Hospitals NHS Trust had been reviewing how to best make use of space within the hospital. It said more care was now provided closer to people's homes, making some areas under-used.

As a result, it decided to move ground floor services to the top two levels of the hospital in a move which would free up space to let out to other health organisations.

Patients' meals will continue to be prepared in the kitchens at Cannock Chase Hospital and the staff restaurant will remain open until the new shop is operational but there are then proposals to close it and use the space for offices.

Martin Yeates, chief executive of the trust, said: "The new outlet, selling food and drink with a seating area for staff, visitors and outpatients to enjoy, will support the plans to make the hospital vibrant and welcoming."

He added: "A similar outlet at Stafford is very popular with staff, visitors and outpatients and we are sure the Subway chain will be a success at Cannock."