Rhodri Morgan opened the Victoria Memorial Hospital

Pearl Donald bequeathed the money to the Victoria Memorial Hospital at Welshpool as plans were being drawn up to bring it into the 21st Century.

Mrs Donald left the cash to the hospital's league of friends, and that helped deliver a �1.2m contribution to the total �3.5m cost.

The hospital has been officially opened by First Minister Rhodri Morgan.

Officials say it now has the most modern facilities possible.

Now the patients, the staff and the community have a hospital of which they can all be proud Chris Fenwick, health manager

The work follows a review of Powys' community hospitals, which decided that the Victoria needed to be brought up to date to meet today's health standards.

The rest of the money came from the Welsh Assembly Government and the Powys Local Health Board, whose manager for Welshpool, Chris Fenwick, thanked everyone who helped with funding.

"The staff have worked exceptionally hard during the difficult re-building period," she said.

"They have coped magnificently, always making sure that the care and comfort of their patients came first.

"Now the patients, the staff and the community have a hospital of which they can all be proud."

The renovation has brought all patient services in one building. An enclosed garden area is regarded as particularly important in helping the rehabilitation of patients before they leave.

The X-ray department's digital equipment is described as state-of-the-art, and can send images to neighbouring hospitals for advice and diagnosis.

The minor injuries unit also houses the out-of-hours GP centre known as ShropDoc, and there is a "birth centre" offering women "a welcoming and secure home from home setting in which to deliver their babies".

Pearl Donald was the widow of an eminent surgeon Professor Kenneth Donald. She died a few years ago and made the bequest to the hospital's friends in her will.