AN A&E staff nurse has risked his whole life savings opening a convenience store based at the Alexandra Hospital.

Liam Conroy, who is still working as a nurse is now doubling up as a shopkeeper after investing his life savings to reopen the former WH Smith store re-establishing a food and drink lifeline for his colleagues.

The store, named heroes’ Corner has created six new jobs.

Liam, aged 32 said: “I have worked in the Alexandra Hospital for the last four years and when WH Smith closed there was a sense of deflation around the hospital.

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“The coffee shop was shut, the canteen shut around 2pm and there was no food or drink options after 2pm or weekends. It was demoralising for staff and patients.

“Being a medical professional and local man myself, I knew what was needed and decided to bid, risking my life’s savings on a venture very dear to my heart: bringing back a service for the great people of Redditch.

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“I love and thrive working in the busy organised chaos known as the Emergency Department. I work with the most dedicated and caring individuals; they are such a wonderful team.”

The Heroes’ Corner store opens seven days a week, from 7am to 8pm Monday to Saturday and 8am to 8pm Sunday offering a wide range of sandwiches, chicken wraps,  crisps, chocolates, cakes, pies, Costa coffee, newspapers and puzzle books.

Liam, who is expecting his first child with his partner has 11 years of nursing under his belt and is in the second year of his master’s course as an advanced clinical practitioner.

“We offer NHS and West Midlands Ambulance Service staff a 10 per cent discount as a thank you for all their hard work,” added Liam.

“The feedback has been overwhelming. I often get thanked for bringing a much-needed service back to the Alex.

“I also get asked by staff at the other trust hospitals if I can open a store within Worcester and Kidderminster.”

Ben Truslove, joint managing director at commercial property agents John Truslove, handled Liam’s application to the Worcester Acute Hospitals NHS Trust and has sealed a five-year lease.

Ben said: “We are delighted to have played a role in helping Liam re-establish a much-needed service for staff, patients and the general public at the Alexandra Hospital.

“It was closed during Covid because of low footfall but is clearly a major asset to the hospital and its re-opening has been widely welcomed.”