Four departments at Isebrook Hospital in Wellingborough which closed at the beginning of June are re-opening over the next week after the areas affected were decontaminated and redecorated.

The redecoration started a month ago and is almost complete. The trust's managing director of provider services, Louise Proctor, said: "We are pleased to announce normal service at Isebrook Hospital will resume, with much improved facilities.

"The return of affected services to their original home has taken longer because we wanted to renovate the affected areas to make sure the patient experience and working conditions for staff were improved. We would like to thank patients, staff and Northamptonshire Healthcare Trust for their support, patience, flexibility and co-operation during this process."

Asbestos was discovered when staff at the hospital noticed warning signs on the walls where building work was taking place and notified hospital bosses.

About 3,000 patients and 300 staff have been through areas which may have some asbestos, but county director of public health Dr Stephen Horsley said the contamination risk was low.

An inquiry to find out what happened and how similar events can be avoided will now be set up.

Carol Atter, who is retired and lives in Windsor Road, Wellingborough, said: "I've just had one appointment here since the contamination and as it was not urgent I chose to rearrange it for when the department would be reopened."

Wellingborough mum Teri Mitchel said: "I had tests scheduled and they moved the location from one part of the hospital to another. To be honest I think they've handled it all really well."

Pathology services moved out of Castle Unit and have returned to their original base next to Hazelwood ward. Next Monday normal service will resume in the outpatients and X-ray departments.

The date for the re-opening of the Priory Centre, including the Mannock meeting room, has not yet been determined.