FAMILY of the late author John Creasey turned out last Thursday to witness the opening of a new 20-bed ward at New Hall Hospital at Bodenham.
The prolific writer of more than 600 novels, lived at New Hall and it became a private hospital six years after his death in 1973. Now the hospital's new ward has been named after him.
Writing under more than ten pseudonyms Mr Creasey, sold 80 million books in more than 100 countries and characters in his titles included The Toff, The Baron, Commander Gideon, Inspector West and Dr Palfrey.
Three feature films were based on his books together with two long-running ITV series - Gideon and The Baron.
In March this year, the Creasey copyrights were acquired by Fleming Literary Management, whose associate company, Ian Fleming Publications Ltd, owns rights to the James Bond 007 books.
Members of Mr Creasey's family attending last week's ceremony at New Hall included his three sons and grandchildren.
The new ward at the hospital was officially opened by Viscountess Folkestone and will accommodate day and inpatients from both the private and NHS sectors.
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