AFTER WH Smith closed down the convenience store at the Alexandra Hospital in the wake of Covid, an A&E staff nurse stepped to restore the vital service for staff, patients and visitors.
Still working as a nurse, Liam Conroy is now doubling up as a shopkeeper after investing his life savings to reopen the store, create new jobs and re-establish a food and drink lifeline for his colleagues.
Liam 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.
“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.”
After a seven month gap the store re-opened before Christmas as Heroes’ Corner, creating new six jobs for shop workers.
As well as owning and overseeing the store Liam remains a member of the Alexandra’s A&E nursing team.
“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-8pm Monday-Saturday and 8am-8pm Sunday offering a wide range of sandwiches, chicken wraps, crisps, chocolates , cakes, pies, Costa coffee, newspapers and puzzle books.
Ben Truslove, joint managing director at commercial property agents John Truslove, handled his application to the Worcester Acute Hospitals NHS Trust and has sealed a five-year lease for Liam on the 500 sq ft retail unit at the hospital, on Woodrow Drive.
He 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.”
